Lawrence “LAW” Parker III

Black Wall Street Gallery proudly presents the debut solo exhibition of internationally recognized artist LAW, curated by Dr. Ricco Wright.

In this exhibition Atlanta-based artist Lawrence “LAW” Parker III presents a recent body of work completed in 2021-2022 as he moved from New York to his native South. LAW’s large tapestry-like canvases each have titles and dedicated texts. These texts come from his grandfather’s sermons written on the back of the canvases. Reverent Doctor Willie Freeman Senior was pastor and community organizer at a Baptist church in New Orleans. The influence of this figure and of this city has never left the artist.

“As a child, I remember sitting in my grandfather’s church for revival. Rev. Dr. Willie Freeman Sr. was a man of purpose exhibiting power of the pulpit. I had no choice but to attend his sermons. Those memories served as the basis for my very first art collection that consists of the bountiful words and phrases he exhibited in his speeches or shared with me throughout his life. The Freeman Revival is my dedication to not only him and my family, but also my contribution to the ever-growing art scene that I am proud to be a part of.”

Acrylic and gold leaf mimics the golden light of “spring leaning into summer,” the time when Revivals used to take place in LAW’s childhood. Abstract iterations of beige, mauve, turquoise, black and carmine create precarious symphonies of color. All of them have golden figures in the center reinstating the artist’s credo that we each are in the process of becoming, while our human foundation is at the very center of our being.

Lawrence “LAW” Parker III is a self-taught contemporary abstract expressionist painter, musician, and curator of culture. The artistic prowess that LAW conveys throughout his many ventures is vast, tasteful and engaging to lay one's eyes upon. Whether dabbling in music, managing artists, practicing fine art, writing or working as an A&R, there is nothing under the sun that LAW hasn’t conquered within the realms of creativity, self-expression, and pride for his beliefs.

Most if not all of his inspiration is derived from New Orleans, the captivating city in which he was born and raised. As a child, he used to sit in his grandfather’s church for revival. Rev. Dr. Willie Freeman Sr. was a man of purpose, exhibiting power of the pulpit. LAW had no choice but to attend his grandfather's sermons. Those memories now serve as the basis for his very first series, The Freeman Revival, which consists of the bountiful words and phrases that his grandfather uttered in his speeches or shared with LAW throughout his life. This series is not only his dedication to his grandfather and their family, but also his contribution to the ever-growing art scene that he is proud to be a part of.

Through various references to his life and family, LAW has morphed feelings and dialogue into his works in order to reflect his spiritual connection to New Orleans. Images of his grandparents and the people who have paved the way for him are illuminated with visuals and vibrant colors. His esteemed subjects are the pillars that helped to shape him into the man he is today, and the way in which he beautifully cements them into history is something to behold. While exploring heritage, spirit and adulation, one sees that LAW's inner confidence and prowess shine through with each brush stroke.

“These paintings represent all of me. I, therefore, deliver to you the art that is in me. Laissez les bon temps rouler.”