On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with social realist painter Robert Ketchens about his current exhibition at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, on view through June 20.
Originally from New Orleans and now based near St. Louis, Ketchens creates colorful paintings that explore the social complexities of the African diaspora through symbolism, history, and storytelling. His work focuses on overlooked narratives and individuals whose contributions are often absent from mainstream history.
“I like to find the untold heroes of history,” Ketchens said, pointing to figures like Reverend Owen Whitfield, whose activism in the 1930s helped draw national attention to the treatment of sharecroppers in Missouri.
Throughout the conversation, Ketchens reflects on how the culture and color of New Orleans shaped his artistic voice, as well as his hope that viewers leave his work with a deeper understanding of social issues and human experiences outside their own. “I hope that the people that look at them understand them and take away a better understanding about the subject that we’re talking about,” he said.
Ketchens’ exhibit is on view through June 20 at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, with a reception taking place May 16.
