Published March 20th 2024
By G. Mclaughlin
Louisiana Perceptions is an exciting new exhibit at the Manship Gallery within the Shaw Center for the Arts. Louisiana Perceptions encapsulates the creative visions of our diverse Louisiana artists with a focus on art, culture, and environment. The exhibition goes beyond traditional stereotypes, eschewing typical swamp and bayou depictions in favor of a broad interpretation—including landscapes, abstracts, figures, and more—portraying the multifaceted identity of the state.
Figure 1 GALLERY TITLE WALL AND ENTRANCE SCULPTURE BY DENISE GREENWOOD, PAINTINGS BY MARK BILETNIKOFF, BETTY EFFERSON, AND BILLIE BOURGEOIS ALONG WALL PHOTO CREDIT: MARK BILETNIKOFF
This approach features Louisiana-based artists presenting various works in multiple mediums, creating an eclectic and vibrant display. It also emphasizes the importance of the ecosystem and its connection to art, culture, heritage, and conservation. The exhibition celebrates individuality and personal perception by showcasing the rich tapestry of diverse cultures contributing to Louisiana’s history and identity.
Louisiana Perceptions is a visual narrative highlighting the intricate connections between the state’s heritage, its people, and the environment. The exhibit is curated by Mark Biletnikoff, known for his innovative and boundary-pushing collective exhibitions in the cultural arts and preservation arena. Biletnikoff has over 20 years of experience in the arts and culture industry and holds two master’s degrees from Savannah College of Art and Design with artists involved.
The exhibition includes the work of artists Cetin Ates, Mark Biletnikoff, Maria Prochaska Boudreaux, Billie Bourgeois, Chuck Braud, Alaine DiBenedetto, Betty Efferson, Loveday Funck, Denise Greenwood, Jessica Haslom, Dana Mosby, Molly Phillips, Tom Quaid, Brandon Roberts, Kyle Vernon, Pat Wattam.
Kyle Vernon is a mixed-media artist whose work encompasses everything from traditional drawing and illustration methods to digital alteration and enhancement. His piece titled Blueberry Girl exemplifies Vernon’s skill to askew and interpret his subject, leaving the viewer to “engage viewers in a journey of exploration.” Vernon explains his work follows the exhibition framework: “Through my illustrations employing mixed media techniques, which combine digital elements with pastels and charcoal, I endeavor to engage viewers in a journey of exploration. In challenging the conventional, I present a platform for viewers to embrace a part of the spectrum of our collective cultural heritage, celebrating its rich diversity. To blur these lines, I aim to create a space where artistic expression transcends traditional constraints, fostering an environment of innovation and inclusivity within artistic discourse. My intention has always been to make what is new feel conventional and natural, pushing the limits of acceptability; I invite audiences to reconsider their perceptions.”
Figure 2 KYLE VERNON BLUEBERRY GIRL 9X7 DIGITAL MIXED MEDIA PHOTO CREDIT: KATHERINE SEGHERS
From abstract renderings to realistic interpretations, Louisiana Perceptions offers a compelling narrative that reflects the various influences that have shaped the state’s cuisine, arts, culture, and heritage, presenting a visual feast and creative sampling of regional artists. Louisiana’s broad spectrum of heritage and history and the interpretation of that subject using art is a vast arena of styles and viewpoints can also be a podium for awareness and change.
Art is an empowering tool highlighting inclusivity, conservation, and even historical and cultural significance. This eclectic exhibition is designed to honor this platform. Experiencing the exhibition visually is only one aspect of the show’s powerful messages. Hearing in detail what some artists say about their influences, drive, and passion creates a new viewpoint, helping us to understand the artwork more clearly.
Participating artist Alaine DiBenedetto explains her point of view and how the theme connects with her work and beliefs: “As an identical twin, still sharing a secret language with my sister, I am convinced Louisiana possesses her distinctive visual language. Our land exudes richness and enigmatic allure. Whether through hidden bayous or the mighty Mississippi, the intertwining waterways unite every parish, culture, and ancient tradition. It is this mojo that I aim to capture in my paintings.” Alaine’s work has an extremely painterly and emotional feel to its process and composition. Her work is expressive and full of energy through blasts of color and bold blocking of lights and darks that generate powerful, spontaneous imagery.
Figure 3 ALAINE DIBENEDETTO LOUISIANA WILD (AFTER CC LOCKWOOD) 48 X 48OIL ON CANVAS PHOTO CREDIT: KATHERINE SEGHERS
She used the term “hidden links” to describe her work, evoking something not immediately evident on the surface. In this way, art can be a powerful medium for exploring how our perceptions are shaped by what is not immediately visible, encouraging viewers to delve beneath the surface and consider the hidden elements within the artwork. The visual representation can also be literal and offer a realistic interpretation.
Another artist in the exhibition, Pat Wattam, paints from life, plein aire, and personal experience. Her realism shines with an energy reflecting her constant drive to grow as an artist, which keeps her traveling and adding to her skills. Wattam is also an accomplished flutist and belongs to many local art organizations and her work can be found in multiple states. Wattam says, “My paintings offer a realistic portrayal of Louisiana’s iconic scenes including the everyday sight of a streetcar in New Orleans, the beauty of Spanish Moss and blooming Azaleas on plantation sites, and more contemporary views such as downtown Baton Rouge during the holidays and a rancher training his horse. Louisiana’s rich culture is a deep well of inspiration for artists.” These subject examples exude the marketed side of the state’s allure and rich history. The cultural richness is evident in Wattam’s paintings, as is the careful way she pays close attention to details.
Figure 4 PAT WATTAM SPRING AT THE GATE HOUSE 20X16 INCHES OIL ON CANVAS PHOTO CREDIT: KATHERINE SEGHERS
Sculpture also plays an important role in the exhibition’s presence. Sculptors Brandon Roberts, Denise Greenwood, and Cetin Ates shine with their 3D additions and connections to the theme. Brandon Roberts’s work exposes the viewers to a mysterious and magical talent with a message of conservation. Roberts connects to the environmental and conservation aspects of the exhibition. During his exploration of the bayous and waterways of Louisiana, he collects things from the environment, indigenous flora and fauna, and material humans have long forgotten and left behind. It is a creative adaptive process that combines tactile and visual statements into sculptural and visual experiences. His installations can even incorporate skeletal remains of wildlife, evoking the circle of life in the bayou and generating a spiritual presence as if these items help to reincarnate the essence of Louisiana’s ecosystem. Brandon explains his work and focus by saying, “I sourced the materials for my exhibition at Bayou Teche, where the geographical locations inspired each creation. The beauty I imbue into these found objects inspires a metamorphosis from a single form to a combined work of art, creating a sense of natural adoration. By incorporating living plant life, I aim to breathe life into inanimate objects, defining an illusory yet familiar experience. This process helps make a creative connection, recognizing the beauty of nature. My work, therefore, focuses on traditional natural materials’ connection to Louisiana’s waterways, adding a new creative identity to the final sculpture.”
Figure 5 BRANDON ROBERTS SWAMP WITCH SERIES FOUND OBJECTS LA OBSCURITE PHOTO CREDIT: KATHERINE SEGHERS
These select snapshots of the 20 artists included in the exhibition allow a small look into what creates the energy of this powerful eclectic art group. Louisiana Perceptions presents a compelling focus on art, culture, and environment in a diverse sampling of regional artists’ works. The show is engaging, challenges conventional perceptions, and celebrates individuality and personal exploration.
Louisiana Perceptions illustrates Louisiana’s diverse and multi-dimensional nature, highlighting the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and the environment. The exhibit remains installed at the Manship Gallery inside The Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, until April 28, 2024. The exhibit is free and open to the public through April 28, 2024.