jammie holmes:
EVERYTHING HURTS.

meet the artist

Jammie Holmes is a self-taught painter from Thibodaux, Louisiana, whose work tells the story of contemporary life for many black families in the Deep South. Through portraiture and tableaux, Holmes depicts stories of the celebrations and struggles of everyday life, with particular attention paid to a profound sense of place. Growing up 20 minutes from the Mississippi River, Holmes was surrounded by the social and economic consequences of America’s dark past, situated within a deep pocket of the Sun Belt, where reminders of slavery exist alongside labor union conflicts that have fluctuated in intensity since the Thibodaux Massacre of 1887. His work is a counterpoint to the romantic mythology of Louisiana as a hub of charming hospitality, an idea that has perpetuated in order to hide the deep scars of poverty and racism that have structured life in the state for centuries.

Despite the circumstances of its setting, Holmes’ work is characterized by the moments he captures where family, ritual and tradition are celebrated. His presentation of simple moments of togetherness and joy within the black population that nurtures the culture of Louisiana has made him an advocate for this community. Holmes’ paintings fall somewhere between realistic depiction and raw abstraction, incorporating text, symbols and objects rendered in an uncut style that mirrors a short transition from memory to canvas. He often references photographs from home, but also draws heavily on his own recollection of moments and scenes and works quickly to translate his emotions to paint.

Earlier this year Holmes was in conversation with Dallas Contemporary’s Curatorial Associate, Emily Edwards. You may see the interview here. 

Video by Quin Mathews.

growing up in darkness

These two works are part of an ongoing series that feature black youth and their experiences from childhood. For Jammie Holmes these works represent the feeling that he was never “raised,” things in life were never explained to the artist, his education was from experiences. Looking back on his schooling, he now knows that his all Black school had different methods of teaching and discipline than those with a White majority classroom. These works reflect on how his youth, and the childhood experiences for many in the Black community, would have been shaped differently if they had been born White. 

from artist to artist

An anonymous artist working in Lebanon created this piece in response to Jammie Holmes’ aerial demonstration. Kindly note the following video contains sensitive audio.

black owned businesses in dallas

Millions of americans continue to come together in protest to fight racial injustices and police brutality. Along with signing petitions and donating to causes here is another way to support — we invite you to get to know some of DFW’s black owned business + hope that like us, you will visit them soon. These lists were compiled by Dallas Contemporary Renaissance Intern Elizabeth Hill.