Bunny Matthews: Dis and Dat

"Dis and Dat" marks the first display of Bunny Matthews' instantly recognizable cartoons since the artist's passing in 2021. These meticulously rendered drawings in pen and ink occasionally touched with colored pencil, reveal Matthews' trademark "traditional post-psychedelic baroque caricature style," as lauded by art critic Eric Bookhardt.

The heart of this exhibition centers around Matthews' iconic characters, Vic and Nat’ly Broussard, which he introduced to the world in 1982 through the Times-Picayune’s Dixie magazine. Vic, the unshaven, beer-drinking working-class man, and Nat’ly, his flamboyant, buxom wife, engaged in humorous and satirical conversations that often offered commentary on local culture, politics, and gossip often set in their “Nint’ Ward” home, a local bar, or the po-boy shop they own, where they are often accompanied by a wisecracking Chihuahua or a chatty cockroach. Matthews' work has left an indelible mark on numerous New Orleans media outlets, including The Times-Picayune, Gambit Weekly, OffBeat, New Orleans Magazine, and WYES television, as well as now-defunct publications Figaro and Wavelength. Although two compilations of Vic and Nat'ly were published in the 1980s (now out of print), the impact of these characters has endured through the decades.

Known for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, Matthews' outspoken style has sparked both amusement and controversy. He held high standards for New Orleans, believing that its residents were often too accepting and forgiving. Through his art, he sought to educate and enlighten his audience, encouraging them to react, think critically, and embrace change. In 2015, Bunny Matthews was diagnosed with brain cancer, a battle he fought valiantly, culminating in a message of friendship and love that now pervades his work, emphasizing that "LOVE is the only thing that really matters." Since Matthew’s passing, Vic and Natly live on, lighting the way to New Orleans’ future.

The "Dis and Dat" exhibition promises to be a celebration of Bunny Matthews' artistic journey, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the mind and imagination of this talented artist. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to experience the works of Bunny Matthews, a true icon of New Orleans' vibrant art scene.

Bunny Matthews' artistic achievements have been celebrated in various exhibitions across Louisiana, including at prestigious institutions like the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, and the St. Tammany Art Association. His work has even graced the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The influence of Matthews' creations can be seen beyond galleries, with his art exhibited in the Louisiana State Museum and the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans, as well as adorning the sides of Leidenheimer Baking Co.’s delivery trucks. Many of his original drawings now reside in the permanent collection of the Historic New Orleans Collection, which also commissioned Matthews to create a large mural for the official City of New Orleans Pavilion at the 1984 World's Fair. Despite his untimely departure, Matthews' legacy continues to inspire and captivate art enthusiasts.

For more information please contact the Arthur Roger Gallery at 504.522.1999 or visit our website at arthurrogergallery.com.