Paintings inspired by historical research
The second exhibit, “Payne-ful” Business, Charleston’s Journey to Truth, features more than 40 paintings created by John W. Jones with oils, acrylics and watercolors. His works are inspired by Margaret Seidler’s historical research into her own family history, which revealed her relation to William Payne, his great-grandfather and domestic slave trading auctioneer.
Using Payne’s newspaper ads for enslaved blacksmiths, cooks, brick masons and people with many other talents, Jones transforms these figures’ trades and skills into a compelling visual narrative that celebrates the many contributions of the enslaved.
His images are included in Seidler’s coming book, “Payne-ful” Business, Journey to Truth, to accompany her historical interpretations of her recently discovered ancestors.
Jones’ artistic endeavor aims to explore the African American experience from the slave trade in Africa through the Middle Passage and pre-Civil War era and contrast it to African Americans’ experience today.
- For more information about these two exhibits, visit citygalleryatwaterfrontpark.com.