justin tyler bryant

back to black

a virtual reception will be held via our facebook and instagram pages on october 6th at 6:30pm (cst). Follow us at BRGallery for updates and images!

the in-person FIRST WEDNESDAY OPENING RECEPTION & artICULATE aRTIST tALK have been cancelled for this exhibition due to risks associated with the covid-19 pandemic. the gallery will be open during regular business hours (Tu - Su, 12pm - 6pm) for individuals or groups under 25 people. social distancing and masks are required.

“This exhibition, “Back to Black,” reintroduces the color black into my painting palette while also framing a conversation around Black representation as a means in in of itself to make paintings. The ancient technique of fresco is used along with contemporary imagery as an idea of observational study that is not regulated by a white gaze. I am interested in the timeless quality of fresco and the self-satisfying presence of Black representation.” - Bryant

Born in Stuttgart, AR, Justin Bryant received his BFA in Studio Art from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2012 and his MFA in Studio Art from Louisiana State University in 2018 and was a participant at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture (17’). Justin’s recent work investigates the past and present imagery of Africa-Americans to reflect a multi-contextual narrative of poetry, personal narrative, and history. In his work, he uses found objects, painting, drawing, and video to suggest a fugitive notion of blackness. Justin is currently a full-time instructor at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech and is a 2019-2020 Interchange Artist Fellow for the Mid-America Arts Alliance.

This exhibition is presented alongside the latest works from Rosemary Goodell, & Haejung Lee. All works from these artists are on view, free of charge, during normal gallery hours (12 - 6 p.m., Tue - Sun) from October 5 - 28th.