Exhibitions

THE SCHOOL OF BASQUIAT THE SOUTH

Hiram Van Gordon Gallery (Tennessee State University) / 1108 37th Ave N. October 28 - December 5th

Marlos E’van, Lance Scruggs, Taylor Walton

In contemporary art, Jean-Michel Basquiat is known for his creative freedom, bold expression, and cultural commentary. His work allows freedom of mark-making that resonates with artists and viewers alike, inspiring new generations of graffiti-inspired techniques and abstract symbolism. Nashville has four such dynamic artists: Seck, Marlos E’van, Lance “The Rebel” Scruggs, and Taylor Walton, aka WVLLY. Their artwork falls into what we have termed The School of Basquiat.

Based in the South, we look at Nashville, TN, as a point or hub, just like any city, a small ecosystem of a larger conversation. These artists make and play with similar commentary of social, cultural, and personal themes, often rooted in the African diaspora and the Black experience, themes of race, inequality, and social justice in contemporary America. These four visual storytellers employ mark-making, experimentation, and found/sourced material in their art practices. They share a vivid and energetic approach to expression, combining raw imagery, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements that Basquiat embodied. A rebellious spirit, pushing against the conventions of traditional art forms where art is not just about aesthetics but also about provoking thought and reflecting on deeper cultural concerns.