To complement the exhibition Alphonse Mucha: Art Nouveau Visionary, the Museum commissioned three North Carolina–based artists to reinterpret Mucha’s iconic works in order to explore modern definitions of beauty and widened cultural representation.
“Beauty to me, in this context, is unapologetically being yourself,” said participating artist Lakeshia T. Reid. “It’s exuding strength, confidence and vulnerability, self-acceptance, and respect. It’s a celebration of the things that make each person unique.”
Alisha Locklear Monroe discusses her work Blessings
The three new works are by Lumbee artist Alisha Locklear Monroe, an art teacher and former employee of the Museum of the Southeast American Indian; painter and muralist Tori “FNoRD” Carpenter, a disabled artist working with Arts Access; and Lakeshia T. Reid, a Black painter who is the owner of 311 Gallery and has been in exhibitions at the National Humanities Center and Shaw University through partnerships with VAE Raleigh.
Tori “FNoRD” Carpenter discusses her work La Beauté de la Confiance (The Beauty of Confidence)
Lakeshia T. Reid discusses her work Healing in a Weeping Place
As an influential force behind the art nouveau movement, Mucha created sumptuous posters and advertising materials that transformed the streets of Paris into open-air art exhibitions. Continuing the ethos of “art for the people,” these reimagined works are posted in select locations of downtown Raleigh and included in the exhibition at an interpretive station where visitors can explore their own definitions of modern beauty.
Mucha and His Roots
Alphonse Mucha consciously and organically integrated traditional elements from his Slavic roots into his designs, culminating in his largest work, The Slav Epic.
Mucha and Rodin: Friendship beyond Borders
Mucha’s friendship with French sculptor Auguste Rodin was fruitful for both artists. NCMA curator Michele Frederick explains.