HELEN LAFRANCE
Art of Life: Helen LaFrance and The American South
This October, STATE Gallery and Studios at The Forge is thrilled to present a landmark exhibition dedicated to the extraordinary work of Helen LaFrance. The exhibition, titled Art of Life: Helen LaFrance and the American South, will open with a public reception on Saturday, October 12th from 6pm to 9pm, and will run through Saturday, November 16th, 2024. This pivotal showcase is brought to The Forge through the esteemed collection of Bruce Shelton, a Nashville-based patron and advocate for LaFrance’s work.
Helen LaFrance (November 2, 1919 – November 20, 2020) was a celebrated self-taught Black American artist from Graves County, Kentucky, renowned for her evocative portrayals of rural Southern life. LaFrance, often referred to as "the Black Grandma Moses," captured the essence of a vanishing world with her vivid memory paintings. Though lacking formal art training, LaFrance’s work transcended the label of outsider art, establishing her as a poignant chronicler of personal and cultural history.
LaFrance’s memory paintings, created with oil on canvas, are a vivid testament to her life's experiences. Her artworks vividly depict scenes of family gatherings, church ceremonies, and daily activities, seamlessly weaving personal memories with broader historical contexts such as the Great Depression, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights era. Through her work, LaFrance illuminated the significance of everyday moments and traditions, reflecting a deep connection to her community and heritage.
In addition to her memory paintings, LaFrance’s artistic accomplishments extended into quilt making, wood carving, and crafting articulated dolls. Her religious artworks, marked by vibrant colors and dramatic themes, offer a unique departure from her usual style of ‘Memory Painting’, and demonstrate her profound spiritual engagement and visionary interpretation of biblical stories.
LaFrance’s influential work has been featured in numerous reputable collections, including those of Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Her work has been celebrated across the U.S. and Europe, gracing venues from county fairs and local banks to the Speed Art Museum and the National Black Fine Arts Show in New York City. In 2011, she was honored with the Folk Heritage Award by the Kentucky Arts Council, underscoring her lasting impact on American folk art.
Helen LaFrance once said, "My memories tell stories about a vanished time and place.” With this exhibition, we hope to demonstrate the power in her pastoral narratives. Join us at STATE Gallery and Studios at The Forge to explore and celebrate the profound legacy of Helen LaFrance, whose art continues to resonate deeply with audiences and preserve a significant part of American history. For more information on the exhibition and events, please visit our website or contact our gallery.