PAST EXHIBITION
ShadowBall
The Story of American Negro League Baseball in Portrait
New Door Creative, March 23 – April 26, 2014
Internationally acclaimed portrait artist Morgan Monceaux debuts "ShadowBall",
celebrating the men and women of American Negro League Baseball.
Jackie Robinson by Morgan Monceaux
The rich history of Negro League teams and players is widely unknown. These teams were formed as early as the mid-1800’s, and were a forum for sports, entertainment, and athleticism for approximately one hundred years. Through the eyes of Monceaux, “ShadowBall" promises to summon the excitement of what was always known as ‘America's favorite pastime’. The collection, featuring 26 portraits of African American baseball greats, opens on March 23rd and will extend through April 26th, 2014, at New Door Creative. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, March 23rd, 3 - 6PM.
Monceaux is inspired by the narratives of visionary artists, leaders and cultural icons. Best known for his portrait depictions of political and cultural figures, Monceaux gained notoriety after creating his first portrait series – “GEORGE TO GEORGE” – all the United States presidents, from George Washington to (then) George H. Bush. The collection has been exhibited at the Ford, Nixon, and Carter Presidential Libraries; and in 2013 at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
A true visionary artist and history buff, his passion for creative expression takes structure in the form of mixed media portrait character series. He incorporates buttons, ribbons, sequins, wood, leather, fabric, and costume jewelry that are re-purposed, and fashioned for artistic and metaphoric intent.
Additional Monceaux portraits series are: “The Royals” (international royalty); “Divas” (African American Opera vocalist), “My Heroes, My People. African Americans and Native Americans in the West.” “Jazz Innovators” (musicians from the jazz and blues traditions). Four Jazz Innovator portraits are included are included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.