Joey Slaughter was the Louisiana state finalist for the inaugural Southern Prize given by South Arts, for which he received $5,000. [Read about other finalists.] To create his colorful abstract paintings, he visualizes the digital information that is constantly transmitted around us. His works usually reference conversations between two people and what the conversational wavelengths might look like ” if you could see sound waves from analogue and digital devices passing through and around people.”
He uses acrylic on MDF panels that are often cut into geometric shapes, and combines hands-on and digital techniques. He has recently been using “paint skins” from poured, dried paint that he then assembles into layered, dynamic compositions.
Slaughter received his BFA in 1997 from the Memphis College of Art and his MFA in 2000 from Cranbrook Academy of Art near Detroit. He is an associate professor at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, where he has worked since 2007.
“Working with paint skins tonight.” @joey_slaughter – Slaughter at work during his four-week residency at the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation in upstate New York.