On December 7th, 2024, Sanman Studios began the showing of “The South Got Somethin’ To Say” by Morgan Newton. Morgan Newton is a Houston based conceptual artist who explores her familial roots with a style drenched in surrealism and boldness. Her solo exhibition, “The South Got Something To Say” showcases multiple pieces that dive into themes surrounding Black southern culture, nostalgia, and Black womanhood. Morgan’s art feels like a song you’ve only heard in your childhood, emanating a sense of reverie for the past and taking note of the importance of the culture that comes before us. Newton’s works are dreamlike and bold and consist of sentimental collages and serene paintings.
Morgan’s primary inspiration for this exhibition was her experiences living in the South. The title of the exhibition comes from Andre 3000’s acceptance speech from the 1995 Sports awards, highlighting the importance Morgan holds for Black southern culture. Using this iconic quote as her title, Newton expresses her love for where she comes from and the culture that has influenced and evolved in the south. Using family archives and looking into the local cultural influencers around her, Newton uses this exhibition to leave viewers with a new understanding of the everyday lives of Black southern women, their influences in rap culture, and a sense of pride in the South.“The South Got Something to Say” showcases Morgan’s deep appreciation for cyanotypes with the work “BLUEPRINT”. This blue collage on 100% cotton expresses Newton’s artistic process which is methodical and intentional. Using cyanotype to transport her audience into the past Morgan showcases her adeptness in evoking emotion from a viewer.
“The South Got Something to Say” showcases Morgan’s deep appreciation for cyanotypes with the work “BLUEPRINT”. This blue collage on 100% cotton expresses Newton’s artistic process which is methodical and intentional. Using cyanotype to transport her audience into the past Morgan showcases her adeptness in evoking emotion from a viewer.
Morgan Newton is an artist-in-residence at Sanman Studios through the SANMAN foundation. The SANMAN Residency is focused specifically on supporting burgeoning visual arts talent in Houston.
