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Justin Smith; is a multi talented visual artist full of energy and vision expressing his art through a variety of styles such as Tribal Exploration, Fauvist Landscapes, and Abstract Expressionism. With deep roots in New Orleans, he has dedicated much of his talent to the pursuit of purist tribal symbolic-abstraction. Justin, now 25 years of age, has attended three influential schools shaping his artistic vision, Mandeville High, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), and Tulane University.
Justin’s engaging and eclectic artistic style owes itself to years of travel; primarily regions below the equator. Justin utilizes his own version of self-taught abstract expressionism, tribal mythological representations and Jungian symbolism. His latest body of work includes enamel and mixed media painting on wood panel.
Picture yourself floating down a tropical river deep in a Central American jungle encountering strange, frightening yet colorful peoples. Fiery temples light the night sky. A shaman performs ceremonies as Myan law has dictated for centuries. This is the world Justin captures. These are the scenes that fill this emerging artist’s mind. “Vessel of Tlaloc”, “Feathered Serpent”, and “Reflected Spirits” are the names incorporated into his uniquely colorful vision.
Justin’s latest works were recently featured in 2004, 2005, and 2006 in three successful Barrister’s Gallery Exhibitions as well as a successful exhibition at Aucoin’s Art Gallery in Mandeville, LA. Additionally, he was the focus of a December 2004 news story on ABC Channel 26. Currently his work can be viewed at several French Quarter establishments including Café Brazil on Frenchman Street, Barracks Street Cafe at 430 Barracks Street, the New Orleans Visitor Center at 941 Decatur Street, Erzulie’s French Quarter Voodoo Shop at 807 Royal Street and Esoterica Occult and Witchcraft Shop at 541 Dumaine Street. Also, his piece, “The Glass Chapel”, was chosen to be included in the “Mixed Media Juried Competition” in Slidell, LA. From March 31 through April 25, 2005, he was the featured solo artist on display throughout the Crescent City Brewhouse at 527 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. From October 27 through November 18, 2006 he was part of a 2 artist expedition, “Abstract Expressions” at the City of Slidell, Louisiana’s Art League Gallery.
In addition to visual arts, Justin has training and acting credits in dramatic theatre, experimental theatre, educational videos, commercials, catalogs and stage plays. In early 2005, he was involved in the award winning production, NITA & ZITA at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans. In December 2006, his art was featured in New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles magazine. WHERE Magazine, the well known tourism publication, has been quoted as saying, “Justin’s work is extremely innovative, with remarkable use of color.” Additionally, the editior of TRAVEL HOST, another well known tourist publication has been quoted as saying, “Justin’s work is a vibrant, mixed media celebration!”
Justin is currently working with local artist Chuck Ferguson, of the famed Unusual Furnishing Objects gallery (or UFO). Working as a team, Justin and Chuck bring to the table multiple disciplines giving each art opening a wonderfully rich and approachable quality. With artwork ranging from $100. to $3000., his prices are just right for the market and suitable for serious collectors.