The SLU Contemporary Art Gallery proudly presents new paintings, works on paper, and
a collaborative animated music video by New Orleans Based Artist John Isiah Walton.
The exhibition Black Paintings: Cybernetic Folklore, Place, + Spirit derives its title from the form and subject matter depicted in Isiah’s artwork. Referencing
Picasso’s “Blue Period” Isiah’s recent paintings uniformly begin with a grounding
of black acrylic pigment which are then layered with white outlines and swift, colorful
brushstrokes. Working in a reactionary manner, Isiah’s visual language is influenced
by internet aesthetics, Black identity, pop culture, and Louisiana History to deliver
poignant social commentary and a reflection of our contemporary moment. The exhibition
is the first of its kind, featuring over thirty large-scale paintings created by John
Isiah Walton over the last two years.
John Isiah Walton lives and works in New Orleans and has presented solo exhibitions
at The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art , The Front, New Orleans (2015, 2016); P339, Brooklyn
(2015, 2016); Barrister’s Gallery, New Orleans (2014); and Identity Books, Graham,
NC (2014). Selected group shows include: Tulane University, New Orleans (2017); The
Front, New Orleans (2014); New Orleans Museum of Art (2014); Art Lab Akiba, Ginza,
Tokyo (2014); Untitled Art Projects, Los Angeles (2013); among others. A co-founder
of Level artist collective, Walton has been a member of both the Second Story Gallery
(2012-13) and The Front, New Orleans (2014-present). He has lectured about his work
to the graduate program at UNC, Chapel Hill (2014).
A closing reception will be held to celebrate the exhibition on September 2nd at 5:00 PM in the gallery. Musical guests Kumasi Afrobeat will be playing a selection
of songs from their new album, “Live From Marigny Studios” the cover of which our
featured artist John Isiah Walton designed. Also featured in the exhibition is “Cabilao”
a music video inspired by John Isiah Walton’s paintings and produced for Kumasi in
part by Southeastern Louisiana University students.
