randell henry:

lines, shapes, colors, collage

June 4 - 27, 2024

FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING: June 5 FROM 6 - 9PM

ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, June 9, AT 4PM.

NORMAL GALLERY HOURS: TUE - SUN, 12PM - 6PM

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Randell Henry's mixed media collage paintings showcase his approach to making collages that involve the use of improvisational methods of playing with shape, color and pattern. With influences from abstract expressionism, cubism and African and Asian art, Henry explores dreams through his surrealistic collage images.

Henry's paintings have been on view in galleries and museums from New Orleans to Ghana. Henry’s work has been exhibited at Southern University Museum of Art, The West Baton Rouge Museum, Dallas Museum of African American Art, The Museum of Arts and Science in Daytona Beach, Florida and The National Museum of Ghana.

Through the collages on exhibition here, I focus on lines, shapes, colors, and patterns. Additionally, I planned to incorporate a more in-depth use of photographic images in the compositions to stimulate perhaps even a surprising sense of visual delight. It was fascinating to note that Picasso, Braque, Bearden, and Schwitters scavenged scraps of paper, colored cigarette packages, bottle labels, and other found elements on the streets in the early to mid-1900s to enhance their works through the art of collage. To continue to evolve and maintain a sense of freshness and excitement, I find the urge to discover a use for more current objects in my present environment while making collages. I find myself returning to the task at hand armed with new ideas, different collage materials, or even more varied stories to tell.
I enjoy looking at and experiencing art that was made with strong combinations of visual elements, art that was made for social or political reasons in an attempt to depict what may be going on in the ever-changing world, and art that seeks to convey some spiritual connection.
While working on this collection of collages, I enjoyed the use of improvisation. After putting a few elements down, the challenge was to make everything work as one with forms in harmony. At times the photographic pieces just happened to be in my hands at the right time!

Randell Henry is a Professor of Art at Southern University and presently serves on the Boards of Baton Rouge Gallery as well as the DeBose Foundation.

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Anne Boudreau, Christopher Brumfield, & Theresa Herrera. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from June 4 - 27, 2024.