William Downs: Truth in Body
William Downs will bring his work to the Martin this September for a special exhibition. Join us to hear Downs talk about his latest work, his site-specific installation, and take home a limited-edition poster commemorating the exhibition.
“I want my work to speak the truth. With this, I find pleasure in admiring and studying human behavior. Drawing while traveling, from everyday life, and from dreams, keeping a visual record of the interactions I observe between others and within my own psychology.
By using the figure as a foundation, I build bodies and landscapes with lines and layering of lines. The line is one of the most elemental forms of mark making: it is singular yet serves to be a manipulated and layered to create something more infinite than itself. This gives me the ability to mix formal and surreal elements, which are united on the surface of my drawings.”
Exhibition on view: September 17th - December 22nd, 2024
ABOUT THE ARTIST
William Downs is a contemporary American artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. His artistic practice is incredibly diverse, encompassing drawing, painting, printmaking, and installation. What sets Downs apart is his unique perspective on "the line" - a fundamental element in art that he approaches in a paradoxically surreal manner, exploring its infinite possibilities.
In his work, Downs delves into the concept of truth within common forms, transforming them into ambiguous and thought-provoking pieces. Through the use of repetition, he distorts expectations of truth, creating a sense of unease and intrigue in the viewer. His forms seem to constantly evolve, taking on new shapes and meanings as they form, reform, and deform before our eyes.
Downs' education , a B.F.A in Painting and Printmaking from the Atlanta College of Art and Design, followed by a multidisciplinary M.F.A from the Mount Royal School of Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his history and dedication, receiving prestigious awards such as Artadia and The Working Artist Project at MOCA GA.
His work has been featured in nationally touring shows, including Art AIDS America curated by Rock Hushka and Jonathan Katz, and Black Pulp! curated by Mark Thomas Gibson and William Villalongo. His exhibitions have taken place in renowned institutions such as the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Grizzly Grizzly in Philadelphia, Tempus Projects in Tampa, and the Zuckerman Museum of Art in Kennesaw.
William Downs' art is a reflection of his deep exploration of form, line, and truth, inviting viewers to question their preconceived notions and embrace the beauty of ambiguity. Through his innovative approach and dedication to his craft, Downs continues to push boundaries and inspire audiences around the world.
Read the article in the Baylor Lariat Newspaper by staff writer, Katherine Hatcher.
Read the article in the Waco Tribune-Herald Newspaper by writer, Carl Hoover.