Octavia Art Gallery is pleased to present two solo exhibitions of new work by local artists James Henderson and Ayo Scott. This will be Henderson’s third solo exhibition with the gallery and Scott’s first solo show since completing the Joan Mitchell Center NOLA Studio Program.

Continuing to explore the inner workings of the body and mind, James Henderson’s new series of work focuses on the theme of personal archeology. Inspired by the statement that “the body ages and changes over time but human emotion does not age,” the artist collages vintage imagery, patterns and silhouetted forms with layers of plaster and pigment. The textured surface is then sanded down to reveal specific remnants. Henderson’s process can be seen as mimicking the dichotomy between ones internal self and perceived exterior. Through Henderson’s visual imagery, the artist challenges the viewer to look beyond perceived notions to see what lies beneath.

James Henderson lives and works in New Orleans, LA. He has exhibited his work throughout Louisiana and most recently had a solo exhibition at Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA. Henderson’s work can be found in private collections in San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, New Orleans and New York.