Troy University News

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Acclaimed Alabama Art to open in TSU’s Malone Gallery on March 5

   An award-winning show highlighting the work of several Alabama artists will kick off its American tour when it opens at Troy State University’s Malone Gallery of Art on Monday, March 5. Alabama Art, which features the diverse artwork of 13 Alabamians, will open with a press conference and reception at 4 p.m. in the Malone Gallery. The event is open to the public and is free of charge.
    Alabama Art will continue at Troy State University through April 19, after which it begins a 35-city U.S. tour. The show received critical acclaim when it premiered last August in Vence, France, and was voted best show for summer 2000 by a French art association. Curated by internationally acclaimed artist and TSU artist-in-residence Nall Hollis (known professionally as Nall), Alabama Art highlights the work of several accomplished artists, each of whom found his or her creative muse in Alabama: William Christenberry, Chip Cooper, Charlie Lucas, Frank Fleming, Nall, Bill Nance, Clifton Pearson, Steve Skidmore, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver, Yvonne Wells, Flemming Tyler Wilson and Kathryn Tucker Windham (please see listing at bottom). The show represents a rare opportunity for Troy State University and art fans throughout the region, said Pam Allen, director of the Malone Gallery.
    ‘Alabama Art’ is a wonderful show that reflects the spirit of Alabama, she said. It offers something for everyone’s interests and tastes. We thank Nall and Tuscia Hollis for making it possible. The artists’ work is an eclectic mix, Nall said, ranging from engravings, paintings, stories and photographs to gardens, quilts and sculptures. Some of the artists received formal training, while others are self-taught, outside artists, he said. The art they have produced is singularly unique, he said.
    ‘Alabama Art’ tries to show that there is a common language, a common point of reference, for all of these artists, he said. There is a rich impression, a source of inspiration and a sense of humor represented in their work that is so particular to this state. These artists couldn’t be from anywhere but Alabama.
    There is a social texture to the artists’ work that is steeped in the state’s history and tied to its cultural roots a mix of slave communities, poor whites and Black Belt aristocrats, Nall said. The artists’ portrayal of humor is something that is unique to Alabama, he said. Everyday people have a way of making light of their everyday difficulties that is so typical of this state. That humor makes this place endearing, special and unique.
    Alabama Art is more than an art show, Nall said. This is really a rich, explosive movement, he said. This movement is powerful, and we have to talk about it, show it, and let people know. The Malone Gallery of Art is open 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call (334) 670-3391 for more information.
    The 13 artists of Alabama Art · William Christenberry, of Tuscaloosa, photographer and sculptor; · Chip Cooper, of Tuscaloosa, photographer; · Charlie Lucas, of Prattville, sculptor and painter; · Frank Fleming, a native of Bear Creak, sculptor; · Nall, of Troy and Huntsville, painter, engraver, draftsman, designer; · Bill Nance, of Huntsville, painter, sculptor, garden designer; · Clifton Pearson, of Huntsville, sculptor; · Steve Skidmore, late of Birmingham, engraver; · Jimmy Lee Sudduth, of Fayette County, painter; · Mose Tolliver, of Montgomery, painter; · Yvonne Wells, of Tuscaloosa, quilter; · Flemming Tyler Wilson, of Tuscaloosa, photographer; and · Kathryn Tucker Windham, a native of Thomasville, photographer, writer, storyteller.
    About the artist Nall, TSU artist-in-residence for spring 2001 A Troy native, Nall studied at the prestigious L ‘Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and later worked with famed artists Salvador Dali and Lucien Coutaud. He is known in the United States and Europe for his paintings that combine vivid realism and intricate details to convey psychological themes. His works include collage paintings, black-and-white portraits and watercolor landscapes.
    Nall’s subjects have included Prince Albert of Monaco, musician Ringo Starr and actress Barbara Bach. A versatile artist, he has created a collection of fine porcelain commissioned by Limoges that is sold throughout the United States and Europe. He is also a past recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Grant. His work has been exhibited at museums and galleries in Paris, Nice and Cannes, France; Cologne, Germany; Venice, Italy; Mexico City; and at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
    With his wife Tuscia, Nall founded the N.A.L.L. (Nature Art and Life League) Art Association in Vence, France in 1991 to sponsor the arts, help young artists and promote cultural exchange between France and the United States. In 1997, the N.A.L.L. Art Foundation was created in the United States to further support those goals.