On Exhibit Until 8/25/2024

On Exhibit Until 9/30/2024

“Knowing Who We Are tells the ever-changing story of the South through the evolving permanent collection of Ogden Museum of Southern Art. This exhibition examines the development of visual arts in the American South from the 19th century to the present. In doing so, it shifts focus from antiquated stereotypes of region, period, style and subject to address a contemporary understanding of varied histories reflecting broader inclusivity and representation. The multi-floor installation explores the contributions of artists who were transformative yet largely unrecognized – all in consideration of the indomitable presence of place, often an all-consuming and monolithic lens through which art produced in the South is perceived.”

Work included in this exhibition is entitled ‘She Boxes’ (pictured here) is dedicated in loving memory of Maria Cozzi.

Opening January 28, 2023 & April 1, 2023

‘Toro’ is based in a process of binding objects after being fermented together in time, the energies begin melding together. Built by weaving in three dimensions, connecting the object with the strength of human energy, binding with lines of tension. The works do not use nails or screws, but rely on the bonds created in their connections to one another. This technique has allowed for larger scale works to be built without the weight of an inner structure making it possible to move fluidly when building work to be moved in a procession or performance. The process is ritually informed in meditative repetition and interest in combining energies.

Curators: John Alexander & Bradley Sumrall

Ogden Museum of Southern Art first launched Louisiana Contemporary, Presented by The Helis Foundation in 2012, to establish a vehicle that would bring to the fore the work of artists living in Louisiana and highlight the dynamism of art practice throughout the state.

Works included in this exhibition are entitled ‘Roulette’ (pictured here) and ‘Crown.’

Curator: Hallie Ringle, Hugh Kaul Curator of Contemporary Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art

Preservative Force brings together recently acquired works from a diverse group of artists working in various styles and media. By presenting a range of voices that have been added to the collection to tell the story of the American South, this exhibition encourages the viewer to examine the myriad ways artists use their own private languages to poetically express concepts of place, identity and aesthetics.

Curator: Bradley Sumrall, Curator of the Collection, The Odgen Museum

Kristin Meyers’ sculptural process of “binding” found objects as figurative sculpture is informed by her Calabrian-Italian folk heritage. In the tradition, binding is used as a method for transferring energy. Meyers, who has studied vast categories of energy systems, collects found objects based on their perceived energies and the residue of human imprint left in them. She employs a unique process of “fermentation,” during which she bundles groups of objects for a long period of time, allowing their energies to meld. After fermenting, she builds a new body, balancing and then wrapping the objects. This is a way of creating a new being.

Curator: Melissa Brown

Kristin Meyers’ sculpture installation entitled ‘Into the Light’ is exhibited at The Isaac Delgado Museum of Art in an expansive, light-filled space high above the live oak trees of the university. The powerful, layered work exemplifies the artist’s masterful control of balance, line, and material. Each piece holds its own fermented energy and is comprised of both seen and unseen elements procured from nature and manmade collections.

Curator: Daphne Loney

‘Working the Spirit’ as presented by Xavier University offered a unique opportunity to present these works in a collaborative exhibition space. The combination of sculpture, drawn maps, and an immersive installation created a unique perspective on the work and felt to be in harmony with the works of other artists.

Curator: Dr. Sarah Clunis

‘Cyclone’ is a life-scale sculpture comprised of cat’s claw vine. This vine can be seen climbing walls, tearing into roofs, and compromising structures throughout the South. The material can only be manipulated fully while alive; a three day shelf life. Discovering that the vine retains its form throughout the trials Nature puts her through explores ways to transform destructive energy into positive use. Universally drawing a connection, paralleling Nature’s changing climate. She reminds us of the power of Nature, poignantly placed where the city of New Orleans developed at its early formation. She resides at the site of the Washington Artillery Park, aloft the cannon, which itself is being contested by the organization, Take ‘Em Down Nola. Cyclone, is on view in the French Quarter, larger than life, through the 4th Wall app.

Curator: Nancy Baker Cahill