MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe Art Program and the School of Visual and Performing Arts present "Visiting Artists," an exhibit of works by photographer Benicia King and ceramist Adonis Johnson.
The show is in the Bry Hall Art Gallery on ULM's campus through Feb. 11 in honor of Black History Month. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8-11:30 a.m. Friday. Admission is free.
King studied at Grambling State University and is a successful photographer living and working in Grambling.
Johnson is a former ULM art student and received his degree from Ashford University. Johnson is the owner of Casals Pottery in Lafayette.
King offered a description of her work, stating, "Black Nationalism as a commodity looks at how the Black body is ephemeral for commodification within the fashion industry, just like its trends and seasons of fashion weeks. Despite the industry's use of Black culture and identities, fashion is and will always be a universal tool to relate to the social and cultural context of an environment."
Johnson said his inspiration to pursue art came early in life.
"I was introduced to art at a young age and pursued my love for it in art school at the University of Louisiana Monroe. I studied under Gary Ratcliff and Wayne Horton. I enjoy doing what I love and introducing a piece of myself to everyone through my love for pottery,” he said.
The artists will give a gallery talk at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in Sandel Hall, room 236. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend. For information, contact Dr. Joni Noble, Art Program Coordinator, at 318-342-1376 or noble@ulm.edu.
For information on Bry Gallery exhibits, visit ulm.edu/art/exhibits.html.