Brandon Surtain:

steppers: …Salvation?

March 5-28, 2024*

FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING: Mar 6, FROM 6 - 9PM

ARTICULATE ARTIST TALK: SUNDAY, Mar 10, AT 4PM.

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

FOLLOW US AT BRGALLERY FOR UPDATES AND IMAGES!

*Note: BRG will be closed on Saturday, March 16 for the “Wearin’ of the Green” parade.

Brandon Surtain lives and works in Louisiana. A native New Orleanian, Brandon attended graduate school at Tulane University, where he received a Master's of Architecture and a Master’s of Sustainable Real Estate development degrees. Brandon received his Bachelor of Fine Art from Louisiana State University, with a concentration in painting and drawing. During that time he was also a member of the LSU football team.

“ In the vibrant city of New Orleans, where tradition intertwines seamlessly with religiosity, there exists a rich heritage of "stepping," a form of dance deeply rooted in the city's cultural fabric. My artistic journey delves into the essence of this tradition, seeking to capture the profound connection between dance, worship, and salvation that pulsates through the heart of New Orleans. Through my paintings, I aim to translate the rhythmic movements of the city's traditional stepping into visual expressions that mirror the energy, spirituality, and communal bonds inherent in this captivating cultural phenomenon.

This exhibition serves as both a celebration and a contemplative exploration of salvation. The canvases become a dynamic tapestry that weaves together the jubilant spirit of New Orleans' dance traditions with a nuanced inquiry into the concept of salvation. As brushes dance across the canvas, I pose questions about the nature of salvation—what it means to individuals and communities in the context of their cultural and religious experiences. The vibrant colors and dynamic compositions in my work evoke the pulsating energy of New Orleans' streets, inviting viewers to engage in a sensory journey that not only celebrates the city's traditions but also prompts introspection on the broader themes of faith, redemption, and the search for spiritual meaning.

Through this body of work, I invite the audience to immerse themselves in the rhythmic tapestry of New Orleans' dance and worship traditions. As the paintings unfold, I hope to inspire a dialogue on the multifaceted nature of salvation—exploring the intersections of tradition, spirituality, and the collective human experience. In celebrating and questioning salvation, my art aims to create a space where viewers can reflect on the profound connections between movement, faith, and the enduring cultural heritage of New Orleans” - Surtain

Brandon's interests in Art, Architecture, and Real Estate Development stem primarily from a place of cultural preservation. Much of his work implicitly responds to life in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina. Focusing on preserving the static and dynamic aspects of the built environment through art and design occupied the bulk of Brandon's research at Tulane University. Brandon is a former Design Futures student leader, promoting social and professional equity and design thinking in all aspects of life. He is currently working with fellow Tulane alumni on an initiative to help mitigate some of the stressors of COVID-19 by providing art supplies and community resource information to families with children in elementary school.

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Libby Johnson, Leslie Koptcho, and Mary Jane Parker. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during regular gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from March 5 - 28, 2024.