BIOGRAPHY
After 35 years of working with the figure as her primary subject matter, Adrian Deckbar has begun to explore the earth utilizing both land and water references in her work. These images are not to be confused with what is known as traditional landscape genre. They are psychologically and emotionally charged realist paintings and drawings, with a sense of drama, enhanced by strong oblique lighting and high contrast. Instead of a pastoral “scene” we are given imagery that is dramatic and too intense to simply contemplate. The intention is to reveal the threatening aspects of our world, which takes backstage in our busy lives.
Adrian is a New Orleans native, and currently lives and works in New Orleans, and Arkansas. She has Fine Art degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (BA ‘73), San Francisco State University (MA ‘77), and Tulane University (MFA ‘81). Currently she teaches at Tulane University.
During her career, Adrian has had more than 31 one-person exhibitions, and has juried numerous shows, and exhibited in invitationals, where she has been honored with several awards. Traveling extensively, often leading sketching trips abroad, Adrian began to find material for her work on these trips. Through photography and sketching, she is able to garner images for large finished pieces which she creates in her studio. She currently references imagery from her two residences, the New Orleans outlying areas, swamps and bayous, as well as the Arkansas Ozark Mountains.
Adrian’s work is in numerous public and private collections, nationally and internationally, including The New Orleans Museum of Art, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Breneau University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
EDUCATION
1981, M.F.A., Tulane University, New Orleans, LA/Painting and Drawing
1977, M.A., San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA/Painting and Drawing
1974, B.A., University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA/Painting and Drawing
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2014, "Transformation", Callan Contemporary, New Orleans, LA
2012, "Immersion", Callan Contemporary, New Orleans, LA
2010, "Water's Edge" Gallery Bienvenu, New Orleans, LA
2007, "Primeval" Gallery Bienvenu, New Orleans, LA
2006, "New Work" - Cole Pratt Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2005, "Through the Woods" - Palma Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2004, "When. Time. Stands. Still." - Hanchey Gallery, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
2003, "Sanctuaries," - Hanson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2001, "Paintings of Life", oils, pastels, drawings, and mixed media - Hanson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1999, "Illumination", - Hanson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1997, "Italian Hours", - Hanson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1995, "One Person Retrospective", Zigler Museum of Art, Jennings, LA
1993, "Homages", Hanson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1990, "Inside", Hanson Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
1989, "Private Rooms", Access Gallery, Soho, New York City
"Scenes II", Cumberland Gallery, Nashville, TN
1987, "No Motion Pictures", Hanson Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
"Paintings & Pastel Drawings", Hanson Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1986, "Scenes", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1983, "Paintings and Drawings", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1982, "Postures", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1981, "Paintings & Drawings", Newcomb Art Gallery/Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
"Kidnap!", Calhoun County Museum, St. Matthews, SC
1980, "Recent Work", University of Southwestern Louisiana Gallery, Lafayette, LA
"Girls", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Movie Stills", Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
1985, "Kidnap!", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1977, "Solo Pavillion", San Francisco Arts Festival
"B Movie", San Francisco State University Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2013, "Front and Center", Group Show, curated by Stan Hackney, Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, AL
2013, "26th Annual Competition", Curated by Stewart Nichmias, AMoA, Alexandria, LA
2012, "NOLA NOW II", curated by Don Marshall, Contemporary ArtsCenter, New Orleans, March 2012
2011, "Painting Coast to Coast", Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
2009, "The Bascom," Highlands, NC
2009, "Portrait," Collins C. Dibboll Art Gallery, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA
2008, "Southern Open: 2008," juried by Peter Frank, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Lafayette, LA
2007, "Art Basel Miami," Miami Beach, Florida
2007, "Enduring Visions: Recent Landscapes by New Orleans Artists" Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, Baton Rouge, LA (catalog)
2006, "Persephone's Spring: Return From Exile" Carroll Gallery, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
2005, "A Blessed Event" juried by Stephen Forster, Palma Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2004, "O" Ogden Museum of Southern Art, invitational, New Orleans, LA
"Artists for the Environment " Duque Art Center, New Orleans, LA
2001, "Real Women" realist artists, Clark Hall, Southeastern La. State Univ., curated by Don Marshall
2000, "2000 National Invitational Art Exhibition", Brenau University Gallery, Gainesville
1999, "Nudes & Flora", Astoria Gallery, New Orleans, LA, curated by Alexandra Monet
1997, "Brenau University Invitational", Brenau University Gallery, Gainsville, GA
"The 24th Annual Juried Competition", The Masur Museum of Art, Monroe, LA
1996, "8th Juried Exhibition for Louisiana Women Artists", Louisiana State Archives,
Baton Rouge, LA. Juror: Sondra Freckelton
"No Dead Artists" Positive Space Gallery, juried exhibition
"Southeastern Drawing Invitational" Clark Hall Gallery, Southeastern Louisiana State Univ.
1995, "The Self Image", New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
1994, "Brenau Invitational", Brenau College, Gainesville, GA
"Associated Women in the Arts", curated by Janet Fish, LA State Archives, Baton Rouge,LA
1993, "Drawings", New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1992, "Juried Exhibit", Zigler Museum of Art, Jeanerette, LA
"New Orleans Museum of Art", Exhibiting Artist, Art In Bloom
1991, "Faculty Exhibit", New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, New Orleans, LA
"The Louisiana Artists Annual Exhibit", STAA and Downtown Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Choice Images", Le Mieux Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"San Francisco Photoscape '91", San Francisco, CA
1990, "Group Exhibition", Access Gallery, New York, NY
"Male Images", Gasperi Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Tenth Anniversary Group Show", Cumberland Gallery, Nashville, TN
1989, "Art Against AIDS", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Drawings & Prints by Louisiana Artists", LSU Union Art Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
"The Portrait", Downtown Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1988, "Women in the South", Nashville, TN "Recent Realism", Clary/Miner Gallery, Buffalo, NY
"Louisiana Realism in the Eighties", Downtown Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Selections IV: Five New Orleans Artists", University of New Orleans Gallery,
New Orleans, LA
"Realism Now", Still/Zinsel Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"The Elephant in Art", Simms Fine Art, New Orleans, LA
"Art Against AIDS", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1987, "Drawings & Prints by Louisiana Artists", LSU Union Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
"Art for Art's Sake", Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
"Newcomb Centennial Exhibit, 1886-1986: An Exhibition of Art by the Faculty",
New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA
1986, "Chicago International Art Exposition", Chicago, IL
"New York Art Expo", Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY
"Newcomb Art Department Faculty Exhibition", New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA
1985, "Art for Arts Sake" Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
"The Exhibition at 112 Greene St.", New York, NY, Sponsored by the Arthur Roger Gallery,New Orleans, LA
"New Space", Cumberland Gallery, Nashville, TN
"Black & White", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1984, "The Fertile Crescent", traveling exhibition sponsored by the Contemporary Arts Center,
New Orleans, LA
"36 Inches", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Art for Art's Sake", Contemporary Arts center, New Orleans, LA
"Seldom Seen Portraits", Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans, LA
"The Third Coast", Midtown Art Center, Houston, TX
"Newcomb Art Department Faculty Exhibition", Newcomb College Art Gallery, N.O., LA
"Chicago International Art's Festival" Chicago, IL
1983, "A New Quarter: Contemporary New Orleans Artists", Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Laurel, MS
"Kathy B", Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
"New Orleans Invitational", University of Western Florida, Pensacola, FL
"Red", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1982, "The Human Figure", Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
"Art for Art's Sake", Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
1981, "Major New Works", Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1979-80, "Females", Women's Caucus for Art Convention, New Orleans, LA
"USL 1960/70", Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
1978, "Paintings", Seculo Nuovo Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1977, "New Realists", Tyson Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1974, "Group Show" Pyramid Gallery, New Orleans, LA
WORKSHOPS/ LECTURES/ RELATED WORK
2011, 2010
"Drawing Intensive" The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, New Orleans, LA
2010
"Artist in Residence", Mississippi Art Colony, Utica, MS
"Life Drawing Instructor" Preservation Resource Center, Operation Comeback, in conjunction with The Prince of Wales "Rebuilding Communities Programme", New Orleans, LA
2011, 2009
"Artist in Residence" The Bascom Center for the Arts, Highlands, NC.
2007
Juror, "Uncertain Territory: Losing Louisiana", Delgado College Fine Arts Gallery, New Orleans, LA
Juror, “Degas Pastel Society” 15th Annual National Exhibition, Juror, New Orleans, LA
2006
"Artist in Residence", The Fine Arts Center, Bascom-Louise Gallery, Highlands, NC
2005
"Inside the Arts" Interview on WWNO with Jacqueline Bishop, New Orleans, LA
2004
Juror, "Second Annual Grand Isle Juried Fine Arts Exhibition",
Grand Isle Community Center, Grand Isle, Louisiana
2003
Guest Speaker, "Artist as Entrepreneur", Arts Council of New Orleans
2002
Juror, "Fresh Art Festival," Arts Council of New Orleans
"The Business of Art" Panelist , Arts Council of New Orleans
1999
"Sketch in Provence" Instructor for trip through Provence, Oct.
"Art Speak 3" Moderator, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
1998
"Art Speak 2" Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA,
Moderator: Doug MacCash "A&A Studio" Co-Director, lectures, demonstrations, forums and workshops, New Orleans, LA
1997
"Inside the Arts" Interview on WWNO with Lainey Walton, New Orleans, LA
1995
"Sketch In Italy", Instructor for trip through Umbrian Hill Towns, Sept./Oct.
1994
"Stepping Out", review by John Kemp (of WYES TV, New Orleans, LA)
1994 /92
"New Orleans Art Association", Slide Lecture -, New Orleans, LA
1989
"Another View", Slide Lecture - New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA
1988
"Realism Now", Curator, Still/Zinsel Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Slide Lecture Retrospective", University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
"Developing an Eye: Teacher/Student Perspective", Panelist, Arts Council of New Orleans
"Drawing Demonstration/Lecture", New Orleans Art Association, New Orleans, LA
1986
"2nd Year Review" Architecture Jury -, School of Architecture, Tulane University
1984
"Slide Lecture Retrospective", Dominican College, New Orleans, LA
GRANTS AND AWARDS
2009
"Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation Grant," New Orleans, LA
2008
"Joan Mitchell Grant," Joan Mitchell Foundation Foundation, New York, NY
2006
"Pollack Krasner Grant," The Pollack Krasner Foundation, New York, NY
2005
"Adolph Gottlieb Grant," Gottlieb Foundation, New York, NY
2002
"Artist's Mini-Grant" Louisiana Division of the Arts, Baton Rouge, LA
2000
"Juror's Award", "Women 2000", St. Tammany Art Association, Covington, LA, Curated by Don Marshall
1997
"Mayor's Certificate of Merit", New Orleans, LA
1996
First Place - Associated Women in the Arts - Baton Rouge, LA, Curated by Sondra Freckleton
1992
"Painting Award" Zigler Museum - Jennings, LA
1991
"Severson Award" - Painting, Louisiana Artists Annual, Covington, LA
1989
"First Place" - Drawing & Prints by Louisiana Artists, LSU Union Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA
1975-77
Graduate School Teaching Assistantship, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
1974
"First Place - Award of Merit" Painting Award, John Geldersma, Director USL Union Gallery
REVIEWS AND PUBLICATIONS
2014
Featured Artist, 'Steppin' Out; Feb 2014, WYES TV, New Orleans, LA
2013
"The Natural World," by Robert K. Cartsens, The Pastel Journal, June 2013
2012
"A Unique Slant of Light: The Bicentennial History of Art in Louisiana," University Press of Mississippi, 2012
2011
"Natural Wonders" by Anne Hevener, Acrylic Artist Magazine, Fall 2011
"Water's Edge Reflection I and II" Art Talk/McGraw Hill Studio Space eGallery
"Louisiana Artists Encyclopedia", Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
" Know LA.com" online encyclopedia of Louisiana Artists, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
2010
"Adrian Deckbar: A Journey into the Natural World" by John Kemp, Louisiana Life, July/August, 2010
"New Orleans Chic", by Lisa LeBland-Berry, Louisiana Homes and Gardens, Oct 2010
"Fluid Dynamics" by D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, Inside Art, Feb. 28, 2010
2007
"Natural Order", by D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, Inside Art, Nov. 2007 "Recommended" Adrian Deckbar, Primeval at Gallery Bienvenu, D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, Nov 2007
2006
"Artist takes up Residence at Gallery", by D. Linsey Wisdom, The Highlander, Highlands, NC, May 2006
2006
"Paintings Capture Beauty, Solidarity", by D. Linsey Wisdom, Legacy/The Highlander, Highlands, NC, May 2006
2005
"Through the Woods: Two Views", new works by Ron Bechet and Adrian Deckbar, Palma Gallery, New Orleans
2005
"The Language of Trees", by D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, January 2006
2005
"Harmony in Nature", by Doug MacCash The Times Picayune, Lagnaippe Section, Dec. 2005
2004
"When. Time. Stands. Still - A realist paints the world one frame at a time", by Natasha Johnson, The Natchitoches Times, Lifestyles Editor, Oct. 2004
2003
"Nature's Call", by Doug MacCash, The Times Picayune, Lagnaippe Section, Dec. 2003
2002
"Daydreamers", by Doug Mac Cash, The Times Picayune, Lagnaippe Section, Nov. 2002
1999
"Deckbar's Mannequins Evoke Longing, Lost Love", by Doug MacCash, The Times Picayune, Lagnaippe Section, April 1999
"Art Attractions", by Scott Jordan, Native's Guide to New Orleans, July 1999
1997
"Reality and Dream Reality", by D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, April 15, 1997
"Sheroes" Eyemusic, by Doug MacCash, Offbeat Nov., 1997
1996
"Adrian Deckbar: Paintings", by D. Eric Bookhardt, Art Papers, Atlanta, GA March 1996
"Art in the American South", The Roger Ogden Collection: Louisiana State University Press, by Randolph Delehanty
"Herself", by Marian S. Mclellan, New Orleans Art Review, March/April 1996
"Woman in Her Bath" by Judy Longley, illustration for Louisiana Literature 1996 "Controversy a Sure Thing at These Two Shows", by Chris Waddington, The Times-Picayune, Lagnaippe Section, April 1996
1995
"Deckbar's 'Morning After' Zeitgeist", by D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, New Orleans, LA., Dec 1995
"The Self Image", by Judith Bonner, New Orleans Art Review, Jan 1995
"Artists From N.O. Show Their True Side", by John Kemp, Times Picayune, New Orleans, LA, March, 1995
1993
"Days of Clones and Roses", by Eric Bookhardt, Gambit, November 1993.
"Spectrum", journal review of artwork in Southern Baptist Hospital Women's Pavilion.
1991
"Earl King", New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival artist's edition serigraph.
1990
"Inside", Exhibition, catalog 1990. Sausilito, San Francisco, New York, 1990.
1989
"Living On the Edge", by John Taylor, New York Magazine, December 25, 1989.
1987
"Adrian Deckbar: Paintings & Pastel Drawings", by D. Eric Bookhardt, Art Papers, Atlanta, GA May/June 1987.
"Deckbar: Emotional Possibilities", by Catherine Behl. The New Orleans Art Review, February/March 1987.
"Frame by Frame", by John Kemp. The Arts, The New Orleans Magazine, February 1987.
"Deckbar Looks for a Sold Sign", by Roger Green. Lagniappe Section, The Times-Picayune/The States Item, February 1987.
"The Arts", by Jason Berry. Guest Informant, 1987.
1986
"Newcomb Centennial, 1886-1986: An Exhibition of Art by the Faculty", by Judith H. Bonner
"Deckbar: Scenes", by David Rive. The New Orleans Art Review, May/June 1986.
"Reducing Three Dimensions to One", by Roger Green. Lagniappe Section, The Times-Picayune/The States Item, May 1986
1985
"The Exhibition at 112 Greene St.", catalog foreword by Marcia Vetrocq, 1985.
"Louisiana Now", Juried Exhibition, catalog, 1985.
"New Orleans Spices the Big Apple", by Roger Green. Lagniappe Section,
The Times-Picayune/The States Item, August 1985.
"Putting Movie Melodrama on Canvas", by Roger Green. Lagniappe Section,
The Times-Picayune/The States Item, August 1985.
1984
"A New Quarter", Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, foreword by E.C. Pennington, Laurel, MS, 1984.
"The Third Coast", Houston Art League, catalog, 1984.
1983
"'Snapshot' Paintings, Punning Photos", by Roger Green, Lagniappe Section,
The Times-Picayune/The States Item, February 1983.
1982
"The Human Figure", curated by Alexandra Monet, Contemporary Arts Center, catalog, 1982
1981
"Husband-Wife Display Study in Contrasts", by Joyce Milkie. The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg, SC, May 1981.
1980
"Deckbar's Girls Depict Sugar 'n Vice", by Roger Green. The Times-Picayune/The States Item, November 1980.
"Eight Days a Week", by Bunny Matthews. Figaro, October 1980.
"Technical Skills High and In Common", by Terrington Calas. Figaro, November 1980.
"A Tenable Alternative to High Purism", by Terrington Calas. Figaro, February 1980.
"Women Artists as Iconoclasts Who Attack", by Juliana Harris-Livingston. Figaro, May 1980.
"Females' Exhibit by Five Local Artists One of Best", by Larry Bartlett. The Times-Picayune, February 1980.
1979
"Kidnap!", by Roger Green. The States-Item. October 1979.
"Violence and Whimsy Contrasted", by Larry Bartlett. The Times-Picayune, October 1979.
1977
"31st Annual San Francisco Arts Festival", Special Exhibits, catalog, Adrian Deckbar
1976
"Fingerprince" LP, performed and co-wrote with "The Residents"
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS/COMMISSIONS
Louisiana Arts and Science Museum
New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans, LA
University Art Museum, Lafayette, LA
Chevron, Northpark, Covington, LA
Allen A. Copping, President of LSU System
Tulane Medical School, Dr. April O’Quinn, Chairperson, New Orleans. LA
Brenau College, Gainesville, GA
Delta Burke, Beverly Hills, CA
Arthur Roger, New Orleans, LA
Festival of Fins, "Fin Fatale", Arts Council of New Orleans
Teal Bennett, New Orleans, LA
David Oestricher, New Orleans, LA
Lykes Steamship Co., New Orleans, LA
Donald Meyer, Arts Council of New Orleans, LA
Margaret Orr, New Orleans, LA
John Crestia, New Orleans, LA
Patrick Reilly, New Orleans, LA
Radisson Suite Hotel, New Orleans, LA
Graham Stafford, New Orleans, LA
Southern Baptist Hospital, New Orleans, LA
Genesis Pope III, Carmel, California
Helen Kushnick, Beverly Hills, CA
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA
Dr. Victor Marquer, New Orleans, LA
Thomas Coleman, New Orleans, LA
Laney Chouest, New Orleans, LA
Dr. Irene Prechter New Orleans, LA
Kim and Melody Meyer
Ruth S and Laney Chouest
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2012
The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, Drawing Instructor, New Orleans, LA
2011
The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, Fine Art Instructor, New Orleans, LA
2010
The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, Fine Art Instructor, New Orleans, LA
2009
Artist in Residence at the Bascom Center for the Arts, Highlands, NC
2006-07
Professor of Practice, Painting and Drawing, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
2000-05
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
1991-2004
Instructor, New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
1998-2001
Artist/Teacher: MFA in Visual Art. Vermont College of Norwich University, Montpelier, Vermont
1985-89
Visiting Instructor, Newcomb College/Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
1984-86
Adjunct Professor, University College/Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
1985
Visiting Artist, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, New Orleans, LA
1982-85
Director, Scheurich Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1979-82
Owner/Director, Framehouse, New Orleans, LA
1979-81
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Gallery Advisor, Newcomb Women's Center Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1976-77
Installation Performer, Musician with "The Residents", San Francisco, Oakland, Berkley, CA
1976
Graduate Teaching Assistant, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
1970-71
Staff Illustrator, Orleans Parish Public Schools, New Orleans, LA