Delta State University’s Fielding Wright Art Center opens the new year Jan. 18 with an exhibition of Brandon Thibodeaux’s “In That Land of Perfect Day.”
An opening reception will be held Jan. 18 from 5-7 p.m., and Thibodeaux will present a public lecture in the gallery prior to the reception at 4 p.m.
The exhibition is in conjunction with Thibodeaux’s recent book, also titled “In That Land of Perfect Day,” and is a visual document of Thibodeaux’s time living in the northern Mississippi Delta.
It chronicles the lives of the families he befriended in the Delta, marking important milestones such as the birth of a child, as well as capturing their daily routines as they worked, played, attended church and provided for their children.
Seen together, these photographs are a testament to the strength, faith and perseverance of his subjects.
“While this work makes specific reference to the rural African American experience, I am reminded that these themes of faith, identity and perseverance are common to us all. For these are the traits of strong men,” said Thibodeaux.
“In That Land of Perfect Day” has been reviewed in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian and other mainstream publications. The Guardian praised the photographs as depicting “the contemporary experience of rural African Americans with grace and dignity.”
Thibodeaux’s career in photography began at a small daily newspaper in southeast Texas while studying photography at Lamar University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in photojournalism from the University of North Texas with a specialization in international development. He currently resides in Dallas, Texas, where he works for clients like Shell Oil International, MSNBC.com, TIME.com, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among others. When he’s not doing that he is likely found running the back roads of the American South with a twin lens over his shoulder.
The exhibit will be on view at Delta State until Feb.22. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed on weekends, holidays and during semester breaks.
For more information, visit the Department of Art’s website at https://www.deltastate.edu/college-of-arts-and-sciences/art/ or contact 662-846-4720. For updates and announcements of upcoming events, follow Delta State Art Department on Facebook or join the email list.
