Please tell us about your background and how that informs your artwork.
I live and work in Texas and create contemporary realist oil paintings that are inspired by my personal experiences growing up on the Gulf Coast of Texas. My paintings are made by combining personal images with imaginative color schemes to expand the way society views Black American youth while promoting a reimagined contemporary life for Black people.
What was your process for choosing pieces for your exhibition with Spellerberg Gallery? How does it stand out from previous exhibitions you’ve done?
I was notified last year in May about my future solo show opportunity at the Spellerberg Gallery in Lockhart, I was honored to be a part of a list of highly respected artists who have come before me in a similar position. I had just about a year to plan my solo exhibition. However, during that time frame, I was going through one of my most challenging endeavors as a young artist. I worked through many sleepless nights to build up my portfolio before graduation because I came to a point in my life where I started to believe that everyone deserved to see me at my best. Because of this mindset, I was able to make brand new work for my solo show that perfectly illustrates my life on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
How do you approach incorporating personal experiences and emotions into your artwork?
When it comes to contemporary realism, my work has to be personal to find joy in what I do. Each painting I make is like a short personal story that explains a specific moment from my past that gives me and the viewer a sense of nostalgia that taps into a childhood memory. For example, spending an entire day outside swimming with your loved ones to escape the oppressive heat of the summer. Or lighting fireworks with your neighbors on the night of Independence Day to watch hypnotic patterns of light and color reach over the horizon for the entire neighborhood to witness. These personal experiences are very important to me and so many others, which is why I paint these memories for everyone to enjoy.
What are some of the themes or motifs you explore? Why are they significant to you?
The themes I explore in my work revolve around outdoor activities that relate to leisure, for example swimming, backyard sunsets and lighting fireworks.
How does the historical relationship between Black people and exclusion to the American Dream color your artwork? What does the American Dream mean for you? Is it something you want to be a part of?
I live on the Gulf coastal plains of Texas on the outskirts of a small town near Houston called Sugarland. It was established as a company town in the nineteenth century to produce sugarcane. As an adult, I learned that the town’s enormous success was made possible by the secret exploitation of Black labor used during the Reconstruction era. With this information, it became imperative for me to speak about my heritage as a Black Texan. Therefore, I decided to use this knowledge of Texas history to create compelling artwork about contemporary Black experiences from my local area since we were historically excluded from the American Dream.
In my opinion, the American Dream should be centered around realistic ideas for society rather than just one’s own selfish fantasy of success. Because an American dream that is only possible for a very small percentage of people sounds more like a nightmare that many people are currently living in. The only way to avoid this problem for the next generation is if we work together in the best interest of our local communities.
How can access to a pool aid in “creating joy and relaxation” for Black people? What can it mean for Black people to see themselves at leisure in media?
Black people have come a long way in this country. However, rolling back access to public pools in the splintering South is a step in the wrong direction. Similar to public playgrounds and parks, swimming pools offer local communities a place for fun and relaxation. Leisure is important because if it is taken away from people it can create a justified level of discontent with their local government. Black Americans must see themselves at leisure in art and in life because there is a long history of being excluded from the privileges that others possess that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
What do you hope viewers gain from your artwork? What legacy do you hope to leave?
One thing I hope the viewer gains from seeing my artwork is to have a better understanding of my life and where I’m from. I’ve spent many years cultivating an art practice that helps to define who I am. And now that I’m a recent graduate of Texas State University, I’ve learned that I have more work to do and more stories to tell. But that can only be possible if I stay committed, trust myself, and demand excellence for my future work.
How do you feel your time at Texas State informed your politics and helped you to grow as a person and artist?
Going to Texas State was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life because it allowed me to be away from home for the first time in my life. During this time, I’ve made many new connections with faculty, alumni and friends I couldn’t imagine life without. All of these people taught me how to be a better artist and leader in my community.
Is there anything else you would like for us to know about you and your artwork (inspirations, future aspirations, favorite food)?
I’m always in the mood for ice cream. I could honestly eat it every day if I kept my freezer stocked with my favorite flavors of good old Blue Bell ice cream. The best to eat at the end of a hot day is Cookie Two Step, Millennium Crunch, or if I want to keep things simple for the sake of family tradition, I’ll settle for a sweet bowl of Butter Pecan!
INTERVIEWED BY URSULA ROGERS
The artist’s paintings are available for purchase at morgangrigsby661.wixsite.com/mysite