Southern Rhythms: Tribute Art Exhibition

The Southern University’s 2016 Professors of Visual Art Exhibition began on February 17 and will remain open to the public for enjoyment until March 24 between the hours of 10AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday in Frank Hayden Hall.
This semester’s visual art exhibition, is hosted by Assistant Professor of Visual Arts, Randell Henry, and it features four professors who have paved the way Southern University artists. The four consist of: Frank Hayden, Harold Cureau, Jean Paul Hubbard and Martin Payton.
For some students, these were more than just professors of art, they were mentors and inspiring individuals. Especially for Professor Henry, whom indulged himself deep into his own art at a young age. Henry recalls himself paying visits to the John B. Cade Library to admire the paintings and artwork that were displayed and hung on the walls. Some of the collection, which is currently on display at the art gallery, inspired Henry to make the best of his profession.
“I would not have been the artist I am today, if I had not studied under John Paul Hubbard. Harold Cureau taught me design and Frank Hayden influenced the way I show my works and into to becoming a national and internationally known artist,” said Henry
Henry explained some the stories behind the art work such as “Song of Life”, by Hubbard. He reminisced watching Hubbard work on this painting.
“It is a painting that was influenced by a dead bird that a little kid picked up in Hubbard’s yard and chased his daughter with. He decided to punish the little girl by drawing the bird as he drew it. It influenced the painting which consists of a dead bird hanging from the tree over a nest filled with eggs and on the side a pregnant lady holding a white dove in her hand.”
Henry also mentioned that Hubbard’s painting is said to represent the circle of life.
However, Henry was not the only one admiring the collection.
Mechanical Engineering senior, David Lee of Gary, Indiana shared his take on the exhibit.
“It was expressive, I caught the vibe as I walked in to see the variety of pictures, sculptures and paintings on the walls. I definitely have a respect for art and I am conscience in my own abilities in art. These pieces are really amazing.”
Mechanical Engineer senior, Kamrie Dillard of Vacherie, Louisiana says she was intrigued as well.
“I was intrigue and somewhat astonished because I did not know that something like this was here. There were a few pieces that engineer majors like myself can stop and relate to. My favorite of all was the “Adam’s Eye” sculpture made by Frank Hayden.”
There is a total of 33 works of art in the exhibit and most of the art that is displayed in the exhibit are a part of Henry’s personal collection. Some were loaned by the John B. Cade Library, the Southern Museum of Art, Cureau’s wife, Martin Payton’s Art studio and former Chairperson of the Visual Arts Theater and Music program, Rebecca Cureau.
According to Henry, if it had not been for Cureau’s wife, Rebecca, coming up with such an idea of an art gallery, Hayden Hall would not have received one at all.
Henry described the image he tried to create for the students, faculty, staff and public for when they walk into experience the art gallery after the hard to set it up.
“My intention was to put on an arts exhibition so that a person can stand in the gallery and feel good being here. By putting and laying out the works in the gallery, the students can feel invited and amazed.”
The Visual Arts Department is planning to have arts exhibition to display the University’s own students in April. For more information, students are asked to visit the Art Department located in Hayden Hall.