Indigeneous artist Jeffery Gibson discusses his inspiration and use of color in KSU exhibit

October 23rd, 2024

The exhibition, "Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love, From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation" is on view through Dec. 7 at the Zuckerman Museum of Art at Kennesaw State University. (Horacio Arias)

Indigenous multimedia artist Jeffrey Gibson, a member of the Choctaw and Cherokee Nations of Mississippi, builds worlds gilded in a riot of color, alive with deep personal and cultural significance. Gibson was recently chosen to represent the United States in the 2024 Venice Biennale, what some call the “Olympics of Art.”

He’s also the subject of a special exhibition at KSU’s Zuckerman Museum of Art.

“Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love” is a collection of over 35 paintings and objects displayed courtesy of the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. Through his vibrant works, he calls for both queer visibility and Indigenous empowerment.

“The joy, the pain, the sadness, the innovation, happens through color and pattern and text and the environment that it creates,” said Gibson.

He and avid art collector and philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer spoke with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes. The exhibit is on view through Dec. 7; more information can be found here.