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About

Lavaughan Jenkins is a painter, printmaker, and sculpture who investigates the palpable qualities of paint through exuberant impasto, an ingenious sense of color, and abstracted figuration. He thoroughly revels in the materiality of paint—he creates diverse mark-making by adding, scraping, and repeating luxuriant quantities of paint with a variety of tools including his hands, brushes, palette knives, Q-tips, and syringes—working and reworking the surfaces. Forms and figures emerge, and frequently spill over the edge of the canvas, pushing into the viewer’s world. Jenkins references a vocabulary from across art history, including Francisco Goya and Philip Guston’s use of paint to convey emotion, depth, and symbol.

Jenkins often centers images of Black women as icons of resilience and beauty. These women are complemented by backgrounds of patterned ivory or other gridded color arrangements. Referencing specific people in Jenkins’s life, the women–dressed in colorful attire–are accompanied by Jenkins’s talismanic figures of protection which sit in the lower corners of the canvas. These “watchers,” as he refers to them, surface and protect the memories that each canvas suggests. Most recently, Jenkins has been inspired by specific texts by James Baldwin and Nikita Gill in his Love Portal series. Like his female figure paintings, the Love Portals act as a record of moments and reminders of lost loves and past relationships. The varying color spectrums and radiating vortexes within each work are carefully calibrated in resonance with each of the painting’s specific memories, which the titles then allude to.

Lavaughan Jenkins was born in 1976 in Pensacola, Florida, and lives and works in Boston. He received a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2005. In 2019, Jenkins was awarded the James and Audrey Foster Prize by the Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston. In 2016, he was named Emerging Artist of the year at Kingston Gallery in Boston, MA, Jenkins is a recipient of the 2015 Blanche E. Colman Award and in 2002 received the Rob Moore Grant in Painting. He has exhibited his work most recently at venues such as Abigail Ogilvy Gallery (Boston), The Painting Center (NY), Suffolk University Gallery (Boston), and Oasis Gallery (Beijing). His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.

Selected Works

This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "A Chilly Night in Brooklyn." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14" x 11" x 3" [HxWxD] (35.56 x 27.94 x 7.62 cm). Its medium is Oil over foam and acrylic on wood panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“A Chilly Night in Brooklyn,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Yellow." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 14" x 11" x 3" [HxWxD] (35.56 x 27.94 x 7.62 cm). Its medium is Oil over foam and acrylic on wood panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Yellow,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "We Became Everything You Couldn't." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 30" x 24" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.2 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“We Became Everything You Couldn't,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "We almost made it through movie night." This artwork was created in 2023-2024 and measures 61" x 50" x 6" [HxWxD] (154.94 x 127 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil over foam and acrylic on wood panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“We almost made it through movie night,” 2023-2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "We fit good together." This artwork was created in 2023-2024 and measures 61" x 50" x 6" [HxWxD] (154.94 x 127 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil over foam and acrylic on wood panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“We fit good together,” 2023-2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "What Are We Hoping For." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 21" x 6" x 6" [HxWxD] (53.34 x 15.24 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil paint and acrylic paint over wire, mesh and plaster.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“What Are We Hoping For,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Big Momma Thang." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 30" x 24" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.2 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Big Momma Thang,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Momma You Did Your Job." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 30" x 24" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.2 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Momma You Did Your Job,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Broken Crayon." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 21" x 6" x 6" [HxWxD] (53.34 x 15.24 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil paint and acrylic paint over wire, mesh and plaster.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Broken Crayon,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Stand Strong." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 30" x 24" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.2 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Stand Strong,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Caged Bird with Brave Words." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 30" x 24" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.2 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Caged Bird with Brave Words,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Shortened Childhood." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 21" x 6" x 6" [HxWxD] (53.34 x 15.24 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil paint and acrylic paint over wire, mesh and plaster.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Shortened Childhood,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Dancing on the Kitchen Floor." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 30" x 24" x 1 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.2 x 60.96 x 3.81 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Dancing on the Kitchen Floor,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Those Good Morning Pics and Good Night Pics." This artwork was created in 2023 and measures 61" x 50" x 6" [HxWxD] (154.94 x 127 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil over foam and acrylic on wood panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
"Those Good Morning Pics and Good Night Pics", 2023
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "The Weight of Your Skin." This artwork was created in 2024 and measures 21" x 6" x 6" [HxWxD] (53.34 x 15.24 x 15.24 cm). Its medium is Oil paint and acrylic paint over wire, mesh and plaster.
Lavaughan Jenkins
“The Weight of Your Skin,” 2024
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Get it right." This artwork was created in 2023 and measures 31" x 22" x 2" [HxWxD] (78.74 x 55.88 x 5.08 cm). Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
"Get it right," 2023
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "Australian Open." This artwork was created in 2022 and measures 30 ¹⁄₈" x 22 ⁵⁄₈" x 2 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (76.53 x 57.48 x 6.35 cm); 34" x 26 ¹⁄₂" x 4 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (86.36 x 67.31 x 11.43 cm) Framed. Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
"Australian Open", 2022
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "I have learned to do without you." This artwork was created in 2023 and measures 31" x 22" x 2" [HxWxD] (78.74 x 55.88 x 5.08 cm); 34" x 26 ¹⁄₂" x 4 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (86.36 x 67.31 x 11.43 cm) framed. Its medium is Oil on panel.
Lavaughan Jenkins
"I have learned to do without you," 2023
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "the protectors 9." This artwork was created in 2022 and measures 9 ³⁄₄" x 8 ¹⁄₂" x 7" [HxWxD] (24.77 x 21.59 x 17.78 cm). Its medium is Acrylic paint, spray paint, oil paint, over foam and plaster.
Lavaughan Jenkins
"the protectors 9," 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins “Morning Sunrise,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Morning Sunrise,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins “the protectors 7,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins
“the protectors 7,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins “Masked 3,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Masked 3,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins “blood ain't just on the leaves,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins
“blood ain't just on the leaves,” 2022
This image depicts an artwork by Lavaughan Jenkins titled "in public eyes (line up)." This artwork was created in 2022 and measures 30" x 22" [HxW] (76.2 x 55.88 cm); 33" x 25 ³⁄₄" x 2 ¹⁄₂" [HxWxD] (83.82 x 65.4 x 6.35 cm) framed. Its medium is Oil piant on oil paper.
Lavaughan Jenkins
"in public eyes (line up)", 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins “Masked 1,” 2022
Lavaughan Jenkins
“Masked 1,” 2022

Exhibitions

B.F.A. Massachusetts College Of Art And Design

Selected Solo and Two Person Exhibitions

2024
"Love Liberates," Vielmetter Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
2023
"Lavaughan Jenkins: The Watcher and the Watchman," Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts at the University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
"Lavaughan Jenkins: Edward E. Elson Artist-in-Residence," Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, MA
2022
"Weight Of Things," Vielmetter Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
2021
"Ms. Black America," Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston, MA
2020
"Black America Again," AREA CODE Art Fair, Shelter In Place Gallery, Boston, MA
"VOLTA NYC," Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, New York, NY
2019
"Reflections of Power," Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Spring/ Break Art Show, New York, NY
2017
"Reflections of Power," Kingston Gallery, Boston, MA
2016
"Man Walks Into A Room," Arts research collaborative gallery, Lowell, MA
2003
"Man Walks Into A Room," Beaver County Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA

Selected Group Exhibitions

2024
"New Works by Lavaughan Jenkins, Mario Joyce, Raffi Kalenderian, Kiriakos Tompolidis," Vielmetter Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
2023
"Perpetual Portrait," Vielmetter Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
2021
"The Salon Show, "Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston, MA
"Black America," David Klein Gallery, Detroit, MI
2020
"We Are More Than a Moment," Gallery 51, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA
"Three-Person Show," Patricia Sweetow Gallery, San Francisco, CA
"Sit Still: Self-Portraits in the Age of Distraction," curated by Patty Horing and Deborah Brown, Anna Zorina Gallery, New York, NY
"Congruency," The Gallery at Prato Capital Management, White Plains, NY
2019
"Woven Profiles," Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston, MA
"James and Audrey Foster Prize Exhibition," Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, MA
"HumanFigure," Hess Gallery, Pine Manor College, Newton, MA
"About Face," The Painting Center, New York, NY
2018
"Passage," Galerie C. O. A., Montreal, Canada
"Relevant," Craig Krull Gallery, Santa Monica, CA
"Fashion Forward," Kabinett Gallery, Boston, MA
2017
"People Watching," Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
"Reconfigure," Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston, MA
"Relay," Kingston Gallery, Boston, MA
2016
"Oh Sheets," Beehive, Boston, MA
"Nakedness," Gallery Kayafas, Boston, MA
"Future Arts Boston," Boston Center For The Arts, Boston, MA
"Establishment Assembly," Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA
"Profiles," Lens Gallery, Boston, MA
"I Know just what you are saying," Kingston Gallery, Boston, MA
2015
"ReSearch," Massachusetts College Of Art And Design, Boston, MA
2014
"The Introduction," Massachusetts College Of Art And Design, Boston, MA
2013
"Josef Bolt, Li Ning, Lavaughan Jenkins," 666 Artspace, Beijing, China
2012
"Boston vs. Beijing," Oasis Gallery, Beijing, China
2006
"Undressed," Judi Rotenberg Gallery, Cambridge, MA
2005
"Introductions," Judi Rotenberg Gallery, Cambridge, MA
2003
"Man Walks Into A Room," Beaver County Day School, Chestnut Hill, MA
2002
"Norfolk Group Exhibition," Art Barn Gallery, Yale Norfolk, CT

Residencies, Scholarships, & Prizes

2023
Edward E. Elson Artist-in-Residence, Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, MA
2022
Fine Arts Work Center Residency, Provincetown, MA
2019
James And Audrey Foster Prize
2015
Blanche E. Coleman Award
Kingston Gallery Emerging Artist (non commercial)
2002
Rob Moore Grant
Yale Norfolk Program

Bibliography

2024
Stevens, M. Charlene. "Lavaughan Jenkins: Vielmetter Los Angeles," Artforum, November (Link)
2023
Salem News. "Artist in residence: Lavaughan Jenkins delivers," The Salem News, January 20 (Link)
2022
Heidenry, Rachel. "The 7 Must-See Exhibitions in California this Fall," Testudo, August 5
Greiner-Ferris, John. "Why Lavaughan Jenkins Is Not a Sculptor His work honors the women who shaped him," The Provincetown Independent, February 9
Van Der Wednde, Andre. "Three Months In, FAWC Fellows Have Been Prolific," The Provincetown Independent, Janurary 19 (Link)
2021
Bragg, Mary Ann. "Visual arts and writing fellows begin work at Fine Arts Work Center," WickedLocal.com, October 19 (Link)
McQuaid, Cate. "‘Miss Black America’ spotlights everyday heroines," The Boston Globe, August 12
"Coming Attractions: June 29 through July 13 — What Will Light Your Fire," Artsfuse, June 29 (Link)
Record Staff. "‘New Light: Encounters and Connections’ Highlights MFA’s Collection," Chelsea Record, April 15 (Link)
2020
Rousseau, Morgan. "‘Fall into art and design’ with Boston Design Week," Boston.com, September 26 (Link)
Rivera, Sofia. "Seven Black Boston-Based Artists on Their Work as a Form of Protest," Boston Magazine, July 1
Colby, Celina. "MFA acquires work by 24 diverse contemporary artists," The Bay State Banner, June 18 (Link)
Griffin, Grace. "Museum of Fine Arts will grow its contemporary art collection," The Boston Globe, May 29
Schultz, Abby. "Visitors Head to New York Art Fairs Amid Coronavirus Concerns," Barrons, March 9 (Link)
Nesvet, Nancy. "OFF THE PIER: SPACE AND LIGHT: VOLTA 2020," artscope, March 9 (Link)
YRB Editorial. "VOLTA Returns to New York for 2020 Edition @voltashow #voltanewyork2020," YRB Mag, March 6 (Link)
Small, Zachary. "After Scrapping Its 2019 Edition, Volta Art Fair Relaunches Its New York Event with a Focus on the Positive," ARTnews, February 7 (Link)
Brandt, Stace. "Jenkins Lavaughan," Art New England, January 1
2019
Burno, Christian. "5 Things To Do This Weekend, From Dolly Parton To Contemporary Art," WBUR Local Coverage, December 12 (Link)
Andor Brodeur, Michael. "White whales, experimental operas, fabulous prizes, and Santas in Speedos," The Boston Globe, December 12 (Link)
"The ticket: What's happening in the local arts world," The Boston Globe, December 12 (Link)
Whyte, Murray. " At The ICA’s 2019 Foster Prize Exhibition, an Artist Breaks Out With ‘A Father’s Lullaby," The Boston Globe, December 5 (Link)
Duffy, Hayley. "James And Audrey Foster Prize Exhibit At ICA Celebrates Local Artists," The Heights, October 20 (Link)
Gorelick, Rusty. "Your Guide to a Fun-Filled Labor Day Weekend," BU Today, August 29 (Link)
Reynolds, Pamela. "Artist Lavaughan Jenkins Is Doing What He Loves And People Are Loving It Too," WBUR The Artery, August 15 (Link)
Reynolds, Pamela. "Here Are The Museum And Gallery Exhibitions To See This Summer," WBUR The Artery, May 28 (Link)
Rodney, Seph. "This Year, the Spring/Break Art Show Is Less Fanciful but Still Worth It," Hyperallergic, March 8 (Link)
McMahon, Katherine. "A Look Around the 2019 Spring/Break Art Show," ARTnews, March 5 (Link)
2018
Brown, Lillian. "ICA announces 2019 Foster Prize winners," October 19 (Link)
2017
"The Ticket: What's happening in the arts world," The Boston Globe, September 22 (Link)
Kiers, Olivia. "Neither Forbidden nor Forgotten: Ariel Basson Freiberg & Lavaughan Jenkins," Big Red and Shiny, September 19 (Link)
Seven, John. "Oil Paintings Enter a New Dimension," The TAKE Magazine, September 9 (Link)
"Reconfigure," Metro Boston, pg 11, August 31 (Link)

Public Collections

Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, Boston, MA
Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Boston, MA
North Dakota Museum of Art, Grand Forks, ND