LOUISIANA CONTEMPORARY PRESENTED BY
2023
FRONT
INCHES,
ARTIST , LIFE, ARCHIVAL PIGMENT PRINT, COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST 925 CAMP STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 504.539.9650 | OGDENMUSEUM.ORG
COVER: THOM BENNETT, CHARLIE'S PAWN (DETAIL), 2022, SILVER GELATIN PRINT, 7 X 17 X 1.5
COLLECTION OF THE
Letter from the Executive Director Juror’s Statement Louisiana Contemporary Presented by The Helis Foundation About the Juror, Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander Acknowledgements 1 2 3 48 49
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This is the 12th year for Louisiana Contemporary, Presented by The Helis Foundation. If this moment were hands on a clock, the minute and hour hand would be aligned, and it would be high noon or midnight –either instance lasting for just a second but in a moment of confluence that happens twice a day.
There are many things we can count on with a situation that is frequent, periodic and cyclical. Just as with every annual tradition that brings the comfort of consistency, there are always new elements being introduced that keep the moment current. Louisiana Contemporary feels like this. It’s always the same exhibition, but it’s not quite ever the same thing, just as one cannot step into the same muddy river twice. Celebrating consistency through change is contradictory and creates friction to power the engine of inquiry that this exhibition thrives on each year. What holds all of the contradictions together is an underlying theme of investigation of art being made in this very moment, and further, how this exhibition allows us to celebrate the community of artists who cyclically make the commitment to live and work in our communities across the state of Louisiana.
Our unique educational mission would not exist without the artists in this community, nor without all of the artists who are related by many familiarities and contrasts from communities across the American South and beyond. This moment reminds us to make the experience of art current, critical to our experience of witnessing the future legacy of this artistic community happening in the present. We leave with our own stories of the art and community to share, tell and retell and remember either later this year or many years after.
We always want Louisiana Contemporary to present outwardly to a much larger audience, to have a network of understanding and appreciation organically growing from this point. This year Ogden Museum embarks on a five-year strategic plan whose goal is for us to become the internationally acknowledged authority on art of the American South. We would not be embarking on these bold steps, in part, if not for the elevated reach this exhibition has allowed for the last 12 years. Through the network of jurors and the gathering of contemporary forces, we speak about art of today to galvanize, clarify or inspire our gaze into art of the past and the future.
This exhibition exists because of the community of artists we seek to serve, the staff, volunteers and Board of Trustees of Ogden Museum, the members and visitors, patrons and supporters, and all of those who believe our distinct focus on this wild, undiscovered territory should robustly advance yearly.
Our collective thanks are always for the juror, this year Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander, the Robert M. and Ruth L. Halperin Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University.
Ogden Museum staff are all deeply engaged with this exhibition. In particular the efforts of the entire curatorial team - Amy Newell, Director of Exhibitions; Bradley Sumrall, Curator of the Collection and Collections Manager; Richard McCabe, Curator of Photography and Chief Preparator; Sam Scoggins, Manager of Collections and Registration, who also contributed greatly to the promotion of the exhibition; and Selina McKane, Curatorial and Exhibitions Coordinator. Their efforts are aided by the careful diligence of Claire Wilkinson, Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Advancement.
Once again, we thank The Helis Foundation, for their ongoing presentation of this exhibition and for their tremendous commitment to our artistic community with The Helis Foundation Art Prize, an unrestricted gift in support of artistic practice, presented annually by the juror of this exhibition.
With extreme, heartfelt gratitude to our juror, presenting sponsors, host committee members, staff, trustees, volunteers and artists, I’m grateful to have Louisiana Contemporary be a nexus that has come around again for a 12th time.
William Pittman Andrews Executive Director Ogden Museum of Southern Art
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JUROR'S STATEMENT
“Art is a guide for every person who is looking for something.”
– Thornton Dial, 1996
Growing up between Bangkok and the Pacific Northwest, the American South was mysterious and unfamiliar territory to my younger self. My family never visited the region, and I gleaned all my knowledge of it from history textbooks and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." When it came time to pick a dissertation topic in graduate school, while my colleagues decided to pursue projects in Italy and the Netherlands, I took a different path. I wanted to spend those crucial years in a historically significant, culturally vibrant and fascinatingly complex place that might seem unexpected to most art historians. As an outsider and transplant to this country, I was looking for some understanding of what it means to be American. There was no better – or more necessary – place to embark on this journey than through the South, and art was my guide. Through my research, I encountered so many incredible artists, collectors and community members, and these experiences have fundamentally shaped my worldview as a curator and art historian. In my mind, for reasons both challenging and energizing, you don’t really know the United States until you’ve spent time below the Mason-Dixon.
I am grateful to be this year’s juror, as it has allowed me to take another Southern journey through Louisiana. It is humbling to be in this role, as there is no way one can select a fully representative and complete grouping of works. This is a testament to the vitality of artistic production taking place here. I will always be a steadfast admirer of artists: the sheer courage it takes to make unique, soulful, singular things and share them with the world – in this case, asking to be judged – is radical. This year’s selection offers a diverse range of form, content, material and maker. Some works suggest vulnerability and intimacy, while others function as incisive critiques of the past and present. In certain cases, some pieces felt prophetic, anticipating the world to come. To those artists whose works I did not select, please know this process primarily reflects the juror, and I encourage all to continue on the creative path.
Artists are essential workers. You are consequential and necessary, and it is our responsibility as a society to find ways to support you. The Louisiana Contemporary is one such meaningful platform, and I am honored to be part of its history.
Congratulations to all involved.
Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander
Robert M. and Ruth L. Halperin Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Co-director, Asian American Art Initiative Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University
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NIC[O] BRIERRE AZIZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
Strange Brute (Hanging from the Poplar Trees) II, ed. 5/12
2022
Archival print of time-based performance; tree, [Black] artist/activist body, P.G.T. Beauregard piñata, Robert E. Lee
piñata, vintage American baseball bat, Haitian flag, burned confederate flag
40 x 60 inches
Collection of the artist
3
NIC[O] BRIERRE AZIZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
RAFTERS (Hyppolite + Gilbert)
2021
Mixed media: Tattered New Orleans Saints jerseys, sugar cane, sugar cane leaves, brown cotton, white cotton, indigo, transatlantic slave trade shackles, machete, plexiglass vitrine display case, “Colonial Maple” wooden base
68 x 32 x 20 inches
Collection of the artist
4
NIC[O] BRIERRE AZIZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
"...Things Ain't Always Set in Stone" (Street Lights), ed 1/12
2022
Archival print of time-based performance; P.G.T. Beauregard piñata, Robert E. Lee piñata, P.G.T. Beauregard Avenue Street sign, Robert E. Lee Boulevard Street sign, red street lights 52.5 x 35 inches
Collection of the artist
5
JACKSUN BEIN
Mandeville, Louisiana
Catching Orbital Debris (Angola Museum at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, LA.)
2023
17 archival pigment prints on top of one another, plexiglass, concrete screws, Score: Periodically yet without reason, the stack of images will be remounted; revealing a once concealed image and concealing a once revealed image. Possibly switched three times in an hour or once in a month
20 x 30 x 1 inches
Collection of the artist
6
THOM BENNETT
New Orleans, Louisiana
Charlie's Pawn
2022
Silver gelatin print
7 x 17 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist
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THOM BENNETT
New Orleans, Louisiana
Trailer and Boat
2023
Silver gelatin print
7 x 17 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist
8
RAINA BENOIT
New Orleans, Louisiana
Sea Bones 2022
Papier mâché, beeswax, looping digital projection
72 x 40 x 2 inches
Collection of the artist
9
SEAN CLARK
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Makings of You
2023
Oil and acrylic on canvas
40 x 30 inches
Collection of the artist
10
SEAN CLARK
New Orleans, Louisiana
No Fixed Abode
2022
Acrylic and oil pastel on canvas
36 x 36 inches
Collection of the artist
11
ANITA COOKE
New Orleans, Louisiana
Breaking Patterns: Shift 2022
Acrylic-painted canvas and thread mounted on wood panel 36 x 36 x 3 inches
Collection of the artist
12
ANITA COOKE
New Orleans, Louisiana
2023
Acrylic-painted canvas and thread mounted on wood panel 30 x 40 x 2 inches
Collection of the artist
13
Reveal #2
THOMAS DEATON
New Orleans, Louisiana
Frog Pit 2022
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 40 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist
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THOMAS DEATON
New Orleans, Louisiana
All Kinds of Critters
2022
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 40 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist
15
MARIANNE DESMARAIS
New Orleans, Louisiana
Yellow No. 1 (A Thousand Touches)
2023
Found objects, linen, synthetic rubber and acrylic pigment on plexiglass
16 x 15.5 x 1.25 inches
Collection of the artist
16
MARIANNE DESMARAIS
New Orleans, Louisiana
Yellow No. 2 (My Mother’s Favorite Color Was Yellow)
2023
Found objects, linen, synthetic rubber and acrylic pigment on plexiglass
10.5 x 15.5.x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist
17
MARIANNE DESMARAIS
New Orleans, Louisiana
Yellow No. 3 (Soft | Hard)
2023
Found objects, linen and synthetic rubber on plexiglass
15.5 x 15.5 x 3 inches
Collection of the artist
18
PAIGE DEVRIES
New Orleans, Louisiana
Spider Web
2023
Oil on canvas
30 x 24 inches
Collection of the artist
19
NURHAN GOKTURK
New Orleans, Louisiana
Forged by Iron 2023
Latex, enamel, oil paint, cord and paper 33.75 x 26.25 x 3 inches each
Collection of Camp Street Studios
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ANDREW LILES
New Orleans, Louisiana
Twelve Butter Beans
2022
Gouache on discarded Regional Transit Authority tickets
3.375 x 27 x 0.25 inches
Collection of the artist
21
KELSEY LIVINGSTON
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
New Life 2022
Hand sewn and relief printed tapestry
42 x 42 x 0.5 inches
Collection of the artist
22
SRĐAN LONČAR
New Orleans, Louisiana
TRAUMA MODEL #2 (Hurricane Katrina)
2023
Inkjet print on brass
32 x 48 x 10 inches
Collection of the artist, Courtesy of Arthur Roger Gallery
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MITCHELL LONG
New Orleans, Louisiana
2/25/2023 3:01:00 PM
2023
Oil on canvas
40 x 50 x 2 inches
Collection of the artist
24
SARA MADANDAR
New Orleans, Louisiana
Window #5
2021
Acrylic on canvas, LED lights and microcontroller circuit, steel frame
43 x 43 x 2 inches
Collection of the artist
25
KAORI MAEYAMA
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
2023
Oil on unstretched linen
22 x 55 inches
Collection of the artist
26
JOSHUA MINTZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
Untitled (Ahh Life)
2023
Hand cast tin, cotton, wood, rice paper, scritta, nylon, tape, copper, resin
4.25 x 6 x 3.125 inches
Collection of the artist
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JOSHUA MINTZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
Custodian of The Ephemeral 2023
Hand cast tin, plaster, porcelain, polymer clay, pubic hair, foam, wood, resin, cotton, nylon, wax, brass
39 x 48 x 18.25 inches (variable)
Collection of the artist
28
JACOB MITCHELL
New Orleans, Louisiana
Shades of Primary
2022
Archival pigment print
24 x 36 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist
29
CORA NIMTZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
Friendship Star 2023
Textile 23 x 23 x 0.5 inches
Collection of the artist
30
CORA NIMTZ
New Orleans, Louisiana
Log Cabin 2023
Textile 22 x 22 x 0.5 inches
Collection of the artist
31
MARY JANE PARKER
New Orleans, Louisiana
Glare
2023
Gouache and graphite on vellum
36 x 50 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist, Courtesy of Arthur Roger Gallery
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BRITT RANSOM
New Orleans, Louisiana
Suspended 2022
3D scanned oak tree remnants, SLA 3D prints, brass, oak, custom attachments, archival prints
66 x 60 x 70 inches
Collection of the artist
33
BRITT RANSOM
New Orleans, Louisiana
Brood
2021
Laser 3D scan, SLA resin print, ultraviolet light
2 x 12 x 2 inches
Collection of the artist
34
MACON REED
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Death Spa Experience
2023
HD Video
7 min 37 sec run time
Collection of the artist
35
JENNIFER RINEHART
New Orleans, Louisiana
And There I Was
2021
Cyanotype on linen
60 x 48 x 3 inches
Collection of the artist
36
CHRISTOPHER SAUCEDO
New Orleans, Louisiana
Money to Burn (variant VI)
2022
Branded wood and U.S currency collage, steel and aluminum
42 x 42 x 2 inches
Collection of the artist, Courtesy of Arthur Roger Gallery
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SUZANNA SCOTT
Ruston, Louisiana
Ascendant
2021
Aluminum foil, fabric, thread, fabric hardener
72 x 72 x 3 inches
Collection of the artist
38
CHRISTY SPEAKMAN
New Orleans, Louisiana
Where We Grew Up Together
2023
Instant film prints
27.375 x 24.125 inches (detail image)
Collection of the artist
39
ELLIOT STOKES
New Orleans, Louisiana
Laura 2023
Charcoal on paper
19 x 25 inches each
Collection of the artist
40
TRENITY THOMAS
Westwego, Louisiana
2023
Acrylic paint
60 x 48 x 1.5 inches
Collection of the artist, Courtesy of Jonathan Ferrara Gallery
41
Lemon Boy and Cowboy
TRENITY THOMAS
Westwego, Louisiana
Whatchu Got?
2022
Acrylic paint
48 x 36 x 1 inches
Collection of the artist, Courtesy of Jonathan Ferrara Gallery
42
TRENITY THOMAS
Westwego, Louisiana
Blooming Man
2022
Photographic print
30 x 20 inches
Collection of the artist, Courtesy of Jonathan Ferrara Gallery
43
RICHARD VALLON, JR.
Abita Springs, Louisiana
The Headwaters at Flatwoods Abita Creek
2023
Photography
44 x 36 inches
Collection of the artist
44
CAITLIN EZELL WAUGH
New Orleans, Louisiana
Listen to the Old Growth
2023
Recycled bottle glass hot cast over cypress
9 x 8 x 72 inches
Collection of the artist
45
CAITLIN EZELL WAUGH
New Orleans, Louisiana
Restore the Archive; Rue (Ruta Graveolens)
2023
Pate de Verre (powdered glass) kiln cast of Rue plant, copper pipe
27 x 18 x 10 inches
Collection of the artist
46
ARIYA ALADJEM WOLF
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mimosa (for our hearts)
2023
Archival pigment print from 8 x 10 negative, shelf, Mimosa tincture
32 x 25 inches
Collection of the artist
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ABOUT THE JUROR
The 2023 juror of Louisiana Contemporary , Presented by The Helis Foundation is Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander, the Robert M. and Ruth L. Halperin Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. She states, “I am thrilled to be selected as the 2023 juror for Louisiana Contemporary , a vital program that showcases the thriving talent and cultural strength of the region’s visual arts. I look forward to supporting Southern art in a meaningful way through a platform that can aid emerging talent and beyond.”
As a curator, Aleesa is committed to providing meaningful platforms for historically excluded artists and opportunities to expand narratives in the history of art through collection building, exhibitions and community outreach. At the Cantor, she is curator of The Faces of Ruth Asawa (July 2022 – ongoing), East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art (Sept. 28, 2022 – Feb. 12, 2023) and The Medium Is the Message: Art since 1950 (Feb. 23, 2019 – ongoing).
Working with assistant professor of art history Marci Kwon, Aleesa is Co-director of the Asian American Art Initiative (AAAI), which is working to transform the Cantor into the preeminent institution for the collection, display and study of Asian American/Asian diasporic art in the United States. Aleesa cultivates relationships with community members, donors, artist estates and living artists to help build the Cantor’s growing collection of Asian American art, which is now one of the best nationally.
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Aleesa Pitchamarn Alexander
Robert M. and Ruth L. Halperin Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Co-director, Asian American Art Initiative Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University
PHOTO BY HARRISON TRUONG
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Ogden Museum of Southern Art is grateful to these supporters for making Louisiana Contemporary, Presented by The Helis Foundation, possible:
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
HOST COMMITTEE:
Suzie & Ted Bloch III M.D.
Coughlin- Saunders Foundation
Vivian & Richard Cahn
Paola Paoli Corrada
Mollye & Laurent Demosthenidy
Dale Fleishmann
Chairman
Jessie Haynes
Vice Chairman
Geoffrey P. Snodgrass
Treasurer
Jason Waguespack
Secretary
Justin Woods
Executive Director
William Pittman Andrews
Alison Hartman
Jan W. Katz
Jackson & Donna Little
Catherine Makk
Carla & Cleophus Thomas
Charles D. Urstadt & David Bernard
Michael Wilkinson
Trustees
Coleman E. Adler II
Ron Bechet
Ted Bloch III M.D.
Carlos Carmona
Tracy Copeland
Kaye Courington
Scott Cunningham
Beverly Dale
Debra Fischman
Penny Francis
Monica Ann Frois
William Goldring
Noah Hardie
L. Kasimu Harris
Gregory Holt
Stuart Hurt
R. Jackson Little
Catherine Makk
Matthew Moreland
Dale Mott
Roger Ogden
Deanna Rodriguez
Matt Schwartz
Troy Scroggins
Lloyd N. “Sonny” Shields
Nathalie Simon
Cleophus Thomas, Jr.
Charles D. Urstadt
Jason Waguespack
Fern Watters
Jennie Cannon West
Michael Wilkinson
Sharonda Williams
Chairmen Emeriti
William Goldring
Charles D. Urstadt
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of July 24, 2023
*As
50 BACK COVER: THOM BENNETT, CHARLIE'S PAWN (DETAIL), 2022, SILVER GELATIN PRINT, 7 X 17 X 1.5 INCHES, COLLECTION OF THE ARTIST , LIFE,
