BILOXI, MS.- The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, Mississippi announces Carl Joe Williams: Shades of Perception, now open in the Gallery of African American Art. The exhibition will be on display until May 31, 2014, with an opening reception on January 10, 2014. The exhibition features very large works on found objects, such as doors and pallets, and a large 13’ x 12’ installation entitled In the beginning there was no beginning. Found televisions painted by Williams and display a compilation of his video and musical compositions.
New Orleans artist Carl Joe Williams is driven by the search for universality. The rhythmic patterns in his paintings are inspired by geometric forms found in nature. Williams describes his works as “symphonies of colors” that present a powerful visual experience. The content of his paintings is derived from his cumulative life experiences and is often inspired by the iconic art of Grant Wood and Norman Rockwell, whose works he views with an inspired twist and personal approach. His interpretations are enhanced by his vision of art and music as extensions of one another. An accomplished musician as well as a visual artist, Williams enjoys incorporating his musical compositions into his videos and installations. Found objects play an important role in his works by becoming elements of a narrative continuum addressing societal and historical concerns.
Williams’ work has been displayed in several venues in both New Orleans and Atlanta, including Journeys, an installation at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, commissioned by the Department of Aviation. Williams’ Sculptural Trees installation on the median of Veterans Boulevard was described as reminiscent of “lollipops in a Candyland forest,” with their custom acrylic light boxes attached to crepe myrtles. The artist’s recent interactive installation at the Front during the monthly openings in the St. Claude Arts District featured totems that mimicked elements of nature, complete with speakers from which Williams’ music played for the viewers. Shades of Perception features a large wall dedicated to the artist’s sculptural interpretations.
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is located at 386 Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, Mississippi.
