Bryant Benoit is a self-taught artist from Lafayette, LA, who began his journey into the art world in 2009. He expresses his perception of the African Diaspora and his Culture through his work. He is a “Storyteller” and each painting tells a story thru collage. He opened his first gallery in downtown Lafayette in 2013. He continued to operate downtown until 2020. In November 2021, Bryant opened a new gallery located in North Lafayette.
My medium is mixed media collage, with paper and acrylic. I found working within a collage gives me the range and depth to deliver the perception I’m conveying. The paper is used for texture and symbolism. My perception of reality is found in the endless photography that is produced every day. There is a real message in photos that speak to me subliminally. I love placing photos of feelings and energy into my work, as I paint the same energy. Like two opposites saying the same message. I combine the 2 forms to tell the story of my people, my culture, my life and my feelings.
Bryant’s artwork has been featured in regional galleries and favored by art collectors around the world. Most recently exhibiting at Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette, LA. Bryant’s work is owned by clients & collectors both nationally and internationally.
Bryant has participated in multiple juried art shows and festivals around the USA, such as The New Orleans Jazz Fest, Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, Norfolk Bayou Bon Vivant, Bayou Boogaloo Cajun Food Festival & The Piedmont Park Arts Festival, just to name a few. He was commissioned by Mrs Je’Nelle Chargois to create the 1st African American History Celebration Commemorative poster, Let Freedom Ring. He has created the annual commemorative posters for the foundation since 2018. Bryant was commissioned to create the official Zydeco Extravaganza Commemorative Poster in 2018 &2019. His painting, “Livin on the Land” was selected by the McComb Veazy Coterie to be displayed on an ArtBox, which is located on the corner of Pinhook and Surrey. City of Youngsville purchased his piece titled, “Louisiana Sugar Mill” which hangs in the Youngsville City & Sports Complex. His painting titled, Passin Tyme, is featured on Keith Frank’s CD cover The Resurrection of The Creole Connection. He is currently collaborating on illustrating an upcoming children’s book. His commissioned piece, “Bloodlines” was created for the local stage play based on the book by Earnest Gaines.
Bryant has been a participant on several speaking panels in Lafayette and has hosted several group and community discussions. He was commissioned to create a commemorative poster for LCG’s Conversation Starters project titled, The Longest Table. He has been featured in several magazines & newspapers. Bryant works to promote art in the community and to inspire & encourage young and upcoming artist.
Who makes up your art circle?
My art circle consists of other creatives & organizations, who I collaborate with to bring & promote art in Lafayette and on a national level. I have partnered with Leigha Porter with Parc Village, Erica Fox with Maison Freetown, the African American Heritage Foundation, The Louisiana Crafts Guild and Basin Arts.
How do you expand your art circle?
My art circle expands as I collaborate and partner with other to promote art and art events. I don’t limit it to just other visual artist. I work with musicians, choreographers, dancers, poets & writers, etc.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
Creativity is the root of manifestation. Creativity inspires great things happening in the community. Bringing beauty, harmony and healing.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
I paint images that reflect life in my community, past and present.
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel