Anthony D. Lee's ''Mama's Boy'' joins works by three other rising African-American artists from Memphis.
While you are thrilling to the Lichtenstein and Lucite shows at the Dixon, don't overlook the side exhibit in the Mallory and Wurtzburger wing galleries.
Anthony D. Lee's ''Mama's Boy'' joins works by three other rising African-American artists from Memphis.
Titled "Voices of a New South," the collection of two dozen pieces by four contemporary African-American artists from Memphis is as eye-popping in its own way as the main event. Running through Nov. 29, the show spotlights a younger generation of local talent making their mark: Anthony D. Lee, siblings Terry and Jerry Lynn, who paint collectively as Twin, Kiersten Williams and N.J. Woods.
Dixon curatorial assistant Julie Pierotti says it is important that such artists, who usually don't get to show in a museum setting, connect on that level with art lovers.
"Our visitors have been eating this up," she says. "A lot of the people that come here aren't necessarily going to some of the art galleries around town. (So) for them to see something like this is good."
Dixon director Kevin Sharp adds that it has been the museum's commitment to showcase contemporary/regional art since he came on board, and the adjunct gallery wings have served that purpose well.
"It's not a lot of space but it is meaningful space," he says. "We thought it was important too that it be regional artists. I've been very impressed by the vitality of the arts community in Memphis from day one of my arrival, and I just wanted to celebrate it a little bit."
The selected works in "Voices of a New South" are a visually eclectic bunch, from the "emotional vignettes" of Lee and the self-taught memory motifs of Woods to the near-cinematic scenes conjured by Twin. Yet as a group show, the artists share an overriding sense of history -- reflections on the South and on their respective childhoods and family stories -- as well as an explosive use of color that speaks to the engaging, life-affirming role art plays in African-American culture.
Williams, the only Memphian to have been selected for the touring exhibit "I Have a Dream: An International Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." -- currently at the National Civil Rights Museum -- strikes the right balance, for example, between self-reflection and outward commentary in such works as "Finding Myself," which would have made a great alternate title for the Dixon show.
Each artist here is busy finding themselves, and we as art viewers are the lucky recipients of their search.
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Comments » 1
JuliusArnette writes:
Born of abandonment and graced by God, we are privileged to have the finest Impressionistic Modern Artist of Memphis’ in our lifetime. He has the passion of someone who has had to make his way in this world on his own and been truly successful at it. His work ethic and morals are human. His love is that of common man.
I am a huge Impressionism fan. Monet and Van Gogh are my lifetime favorites. I am pleased and feel blessed that my grandchildren will have the opportunity to enjoy their contributions to the world as I have in my lifetime. I will make sure of that.
The reason I love their works so much is because they were masters at their art and one does not need to psychoanalyze their works to see their vision and feel their passion. Add Seurat in that group as well. Love those guys!
Well, we are fortunate to have such an artist in our presence this day and time. Kenneth Lecco is that artist. Like Monet and Van Gogh, there is a mastered medium and a passionate movement within every piece of art. Although not in the same medium precisely, they are one in the same. One does not need to reach for an interpretation for any of these artist, just read their stories and you will feel their passion. As for the respects of Ken, and it is our great privileged to do so, just ask him. Every piece has a story that is filled with determinism and passion in an ever-lasting work of art.
If you have not seen Kenneth’s work, herd the stories and meanings behind them and asked him about the passions alive in his work, you are missing a shooting star that will only be seen in our lifetime. The beauty of it all is that the opportunity is strictly up to you to take advantage of. No one will force you, but your soul will be missing something that, for free, could be filled.
I encourage all to go to his gallery, or many displays of his works, read the stories then go meet one of the most beautiful people of our lifetime. Not to mention one of our neighbors. He resides, works, lives and loves right here in this day, and most importantly, in this city. What an opportunity. Wouldn’t you love to be able to say that about Monet, Van Gogh or Seurat?
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