Morehead State University’s Kentucky Folk Art Center has announced its upcoming exhibition, “The Devil Made Us Do It: Depiction of Satan in Kentucky Folk Art.”
When the first European immigrants stepped onto the shores of North America, they brought the devil with them. From the Salem witch trials to bluesmen at the crossroads to modern horror movies, Satan has always been a leading character in American folk and popular culture. This exhibition examines how the character of the devil has been portrayed by generations of self-taught Kentucky artists.
“The Devil Made Us Do It” presents more than 60 paintings, carvings, and sculptures by dozens of Kentucky folk artists, which prominently feature the devil. The exhibition was conceived of and curated with the assistance of KFAC’s student employees Kristin Busby, Gabe Lewis and Sarah Lunsford.
“When our fall slot opened up due to a scheduling conflict, I thought we should take this opportunity to really involve some of our talented student workers,” said Matt Collinsworth, KFAC’s director. “They conceived of this exhibition and handled much of the work. I think they can be proud, because this is an excellent show.”
In the brief catalog that accompanies the exhibition, Lunsford writes, “Artists have long used their art to explore their personal turmoil and issues. The depictions of devils, strange phenomena, and hell are mere reflections of the exploration of their inner selves. By producing their demons in wood or on canvas, they prompt the viewer to explore her own demons.”
Kentucky Folk Art Center is a cultural, educational and economic development service of Morehead State University. It is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Additional information is available by calling 606-783-2204 or visit http://www.moreheadstate.edu/kfac