Brandon Thibodeaux’s In That Land of Perfect Day Exhibition

The exhibition In That Land of Perfect Day, as the book by the same title, is the visual document of a period of eight years Brandon Thibodeaux spent living in the northern Mississippi Delta. It chronicles the lives of the families he befriended there, 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. Thibodeaux explains that “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.”
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.

Brandon 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, TX, 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.

In That Land of Perfect Day will be on view until February 22. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, January 18, 5:00-7:00 pm. The artist will present a public lecture in the gallery before the opening reception at 4:00 pm. Gallery Hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Gallery is closed on weekends, holidays, and during semester breaks.

For further information visit the DSU Art Department’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 our email list.