Artist Statement
I, Antoine Prince, Jr. work primarily with oil colors, expressively structuring the figures in compositions drawn from photographs and my imagination. However, my work is still steeped in history and the desire to cry out from the hilltop, TRUTH, for it shall make US free. I utilize the Impasto painting style that breathes from the canvas teetering on sculptural low relief. In my work, I invoke the spirits of my ancestors such as Lawrence, Moses, Tolliver and Motley. Being raised in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, I work from my soul and bring full emotion into my work.
I understand that I have a gift that is intended to be shared and preached to the masses. Many of my works, celebrate and bring light to individuals who might otherwise be lost to history. I believe I have inherited a better world than what my ancestors endured in America. However, WE still face magnanimous challenges that require a contemporary soldier like me to continue to stand on the front line to fight for “TRUE” equality.
Descriptions of Work
- Chillin’ at the Drop, 48x48 oil on canvas, a depiction of the Dew Drop Inn in segregated New Orleans in 1959. On stage is the iconic Irma Thomas. This painting was inspired by my parents who went there on their first date.
- Can’t Bow Down, 36x48 oil on canvas, a depiction of a Mardi Gras Indian chanting the release of the ancestors against the backdrop of the Treme’.
- “Four Little Soldiers” Oil ‘23 depicts the integration of New Orleans Public Schools Ruby Bridges, Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost coming out of McDonough 19 in 1960.
- Zombie Apocalypse, 48x60, oil on canvas, a depiction of the January 6 Capital Riot. A mob attacked police and destroyed government property.
- WONDERFUL WOMAN, 36x48 oil on canvas, this is a juxtapose of a photograph of Gloria Richardson the former leader of The Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee. The photo shows her deflecting a bayonet wielded by a National Guard.
- In Search Of, 48x72 oil on canvas, Is a contemporary depiction of a historical event in 1803 when 75 enslaved African committed mass suicide to keep from becoming slaves. A contemporary young man is peering down into the water. He believes he sees his ancestors.
- "Why I Can't Breathe:" This painting was completed in 2020 and pays homage to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Amadou Dialo, Walter Scott and Eric Garner. All were victims of police brutality.
Antoine Prince, Jr. is a native New Orleanian. He is a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and Southern University at New Orleans. He received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Art Education. Antoine attended New Orleans Center of the Creative Arts (NOCCA) for one year where he studied in the Visual Arts programs. However, it was at Southern University at New Orleans, under the tutelage of instructors in the Art Department that his expression of art was fully realized.
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