Lost and Found

Exhibit Summary:

Using found objects, reclaimed from the surrounding communities of Austin, artist Cheseiel John, creates dense assemblages that reflect a time long past.

Also present in the Lost and Found Collection are pen and ink drawings of lesser-known blues legends including Memphis Minnie, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Coleman Hawkins, Willie the Lion Smith, and Johnny Lee Hooker.

Chesiel John

An American artist living and working in Austin, Texas. Originally from Trinidad.

Music is an integral part of John’s artistic program, providing inspiration in many different ways. Her drawings of the great jazz legends can be found in many private collections, including that of music producer Quincy Jones.

Technically proficient in all manner of drawing and painting, John is also an accomplished sculptor. Using found objects, reclaimed from the communities surrounding Austin, John desires to give forgotten objects a new life and perhaps trigger a spiritual awakening for both viewers of her work and the previous owners of these artifacts.

She creates dense assemblages which reflect a time long past. The nostalgia inherent in these lost objects loses power as John repurposes them into new and visually exciting compositions.