JOSEPH LOFTON (b1923 - 2018) - What Now?

INTRODUCING ...LISANDRO SURIEL - Memories

Opening: Saturday, December 5, 2020, 1pm – 5pm

On Exhibition: December 5, 2020 – January 16, 2021

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Stella Jones Gallery has specialized in African American fine art for almost 25 years in the same St. Charles Avenue location. We are ending a very challenging year with painters, JOSEPH LOFTON, LEONARD MAIDEN and photographer, LISANDRO SURIEL as they represent what is special about the past, present and future of art of the African Diaspora.

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Stella Jones Gallery is proud to be among the 250 Black owned small businesses across the U.S. that are being recognized by Beyonce’s 2020 directory. We were selected as a 2018 Downtown NOLA Awards Honoree for bringing diversity to downtown New Orleans and are listed as a Cultural Landmark by “The Drum” newspaper and named by “Thrillist” as one of the four spots that have transformed the Arts District in NOLA’s hottest neighborhood. The gallery is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2021 and remains committed to educating collectors, museums and the community on the political, social and economic impact that African American Artists and their work have had.

JOSEPH LOFTON (1924-2018) brings an intercultural identity to his paintings. The artist moved to Mexico in the 1990s and became a part of a small community of artists that included ELIZABETH CATLETT and FRANCISCO MORA. His work provides a commentary rooted in the black experience while finding a spiritual bond between African and Mexican designs.

LOFTON honed his craft from 1948-1954 at the Art Students League and from 1971-72 at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. During that time he became a prolific artist, creating his works in a loft in lower Manhattan. His art has been shown at many exhibitions in New York City, Florida and Mexico.

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LEONARD MAIDEN’s paintings offer a bit of whimsy that is anchored in the culture of living in the rural South. His figures are placed in an environment in which he is familiar; the artist grew up in the small city of Greenville, MS. The artist paints what he knows, the family farm growing cotton and watermelon. MAIDEN has a six year history with SJG, after being introduced by CHARLY PALMER. This artist’s work can be found in many private collections across the country.

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LISANDRO SURIEL is a photographer who brings a magical realism of the Caribbean, both mythological and cultural, with this series of photographs and aims to explore the spectral identity of our ancestors throughout the islands. SURIEL earned a B.A. in Photography at the royal Academy of Art in The Hague and a Masters of Art by research in Artistic Research and Art Studies at the University of Amsterdam. His work can be found in private collections internationally.

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