Contact: Margaret Kovar
Artist and professor Richard A. Lou's unique artwork will be on display at Mississippi State's Visual Art Center Jan. 15-March 23.
"Stories On My Back" is a three-dimensional multi-media installation that combines photography, found objects and sound. The installation is site-specific, positioned differently each time it is in a new space. At the VAC, the piece will fit into four different gallery rooms.
On March 7, Lou will speak about his work at 3 p.m. in the Giles Hall Harrison Auditorium, with a reception from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the VAC Gallery. Both events are free and open to the public.
A photography professor and art department chair at the University of Memphis, Lou's career includes work as a curator and essayist. He received his bachelor's degree from California State University at Fullerton and his master's degree from Clemson University.
With his work, Lou questions and initiates discussions about race and celebrates the multicultural background that the world shares. To do this, he often references his own Chinese and Hispanic heritage as a visual way to introduce the viewer to ideas of cultural identity.
Lou also uses the power of storytelling as a means to connect with viewers; as audience members walk through the installations they hear recorded stories of tales passed down from the artist's own family, spanning four generations.
For more information about the events, call 662-325-2973.