An exhibit in the Louisiana Art and Science Museum illuminates the abstract work of 12 Baton Rouge artists, including a few University faculty members, who have established themselves in the city’s art scene.
“Capitol City Contemporary” is the first in a series of exhibitions aimed at highlighting local artists. Revolving around the theme of two-dimensional abstract art, the exhibit displays artists grounded in Louisiana, primarily in Baton Rouge.
LASM curator Elizabeth Weinstein said after a theme was established, the museum chose abstract artists who have made major contributors to the art scene for a long period of time. For instance, many of the artists featured were involved with the Baton Rouge Gallery in its early days, or advanced art education locally.
“They have all, in their own way, contributed to making Baton Rouge a vibrant and vital place to make art,” Weinstein said.
Though this group of artists are typically more established or experienced, Weinstein said future exhibits in the “Capitol City Contemporary” series may feature emerging artists. Landscape, narrative or digital art just a few of the theme prospects for the series in the future.
The museum is also working with the local organization Elevator Projects, whose mission is to “present innovative, creative, and contemporary projects that educate, serve, and engage the artists and audiences of Louisiana, the nation, and the globe,” according to its website.
Among the artists featured in the exhibit are faculty members Paul Dean and Jacqueline Parker, as well as former University professor Edward Pramuk.
Pramuk taught painting, drawing, printmaking and design during his 35 years at the University, and he “pioneered the development of graduate pedagogical studies which prepares students to instruct foundation courses in design and drawing,” according to his website.
Parker said Pramuk has influenced her over the years, not so much through art but through his humanity as an artist, and has been a personal mentor and friend.
She has two pieces in the “CCC” exhibit that compile a collage of papers used in her past work “What’s Left Unsaid.” In comparison, Parker said the pieces in the exhibit are more active and talkative with more of a voice through more text and images.
Though Louisiana is not necessarily a direct source of inspiration, Parker said the environment and quality of life in Baton Rouge enables her work.
“I feel nourished where I am,” Parker said. “I have a studio space that I love, and it would be hard to duplicate that space in another city.”
Louisiana art in general is rather colorful and can often be humorous, Weinstein said. The Catholic and cultural roots of French, Spanish, Creole and Cajun heritages mixes to make distinctive aesthetics.
However, this abstract exhibit is a snapshot of one aspect of the many artists working in the area right now. There is also a sense of comradery amongst several of the artists in the display, she said.
Many of the artists know each other quite well and visit each other’s studios, having conversations about their art.
For them, it is natural for their work to have some common reflections of each other — their philosophy or thoughts and techniques.
Because of the experience represented in the work of the exhibit, Weinstein said she believes it can be a valuable resource to inspire young artists just breaking into the local art scene.
“The most important thing you can do as an artist is to look, look and look some more,” Weinstein said. “The more you look at art and the more you know, the more you see what possibilities there are.”
You can reach Michael Tarver on Twitter @michael_T16.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Charles Champagne

Artwork by Steve Schmidt is displayed Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2015 at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum as part of the Capitol City Contemporary exhibit.