"As an artist, my work is rooted in the deep and primal truth that we, as human beings, are tribal by nature. Long before cities and written language, we existed in close-knit circles -tribes- defined not just by blood, but by shared stories, rituals, responsibilities and survival. In today’s fragmented and hyper-connected world, I return to this idea of “tribe” as a source of both grounding and questioning."
Fran J. Nagy was born in Mobile, AL, grew up in the New Orleans area, and currently resides in Birmingham, AL. Her contemporary acrylic paintings convey a visually powerful humanitarian message - reminding the viewer of the journey and the assimilation of Native Americans in the Southeastern US during the 1800’s. The landscapes are obscured, and the human figures are viewed from the back, faceless, moving towards an unknown destination. The paintings contain real feathers and leaves, symbolic of the value of the lands. Nagy’s work stirs rich emotions for what has passed and questions what lies ahead for humanity.
"My art explores the emotional and psychological space where belonging meets identity. I investigate how humans seek connection in an increasingly individualistic society, and what we lose when we sever our ties to community, ancestry, and shared purpose. Through textures, and materials found in nature, like feathers and leaves, I aim to evoke the connection to earth and the memory of the village where the unspoken trust and inherited wisdom are gained.
To me, the tribe represents more than a cultural artifact; it is a living need…a structure of support, empathy, and mutual accountability. My work seeks to remind viewers that no matter how far we advance, our collective humanity is sustained by our ability to form bonds, gather in unity, and remember that we are not alone. In every piece, I ask: Who is your tribe? And what will they remember you for?" – Fran J. Nagy
REPRESENTAION
Fringe Gallery, Telluride, CO
Grand Bohemian Gallery, Mountian Brook, AL Grand bohemian Lodge, Greenville, SC
2023 EXHIBITS
January – March, Group Exhibit - SCAC Robin Metz Competition
March, Duo Exhibit, Fran Nagy and Gina Sarro. Slate Gray Gallery
PAST SOLO EXHIBITS
Slate Gray Gallery, Telluride, CO 2021
Eastern Shore Art Center, Fairhope, AL 2021
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
Everyscape EAP 360 Competition
First Place: 4 awards “most creative; holiday theme; real estate; and retail” 2017 First Place: “best content” 2016
Picnic for the Planet, Nature Conservancy, Birmingham AL. 2012
Grand Prize:“The Owls”
9th International Ceramics Competition Mino Japan 2011
Honorable Mention: “The Connected Couple” Judges: Osamu Suzuki, Kristina Riska, Rupert Faulkner, Makoyo Koizumi, Fumi Kimura, Woo Kwanho, Kenji Kaneko, Toru Enomoto
TEACHING ARTIST
Imagine Partners in Art, Avondale, AL. Owner and Instructor 2005-2010
Stone Creek Montessori School, Pelham, AL. 1st-12th Art Teacher
VISITING ARTIST
Spark Sloss, ceramic lecture 2017
Artisans on the Plaza Hoover Library guest artist 2009
Vestavia Art Association, hand-building demonstration 2008
Liberty Park Elementary guest artist 2008
Avondale Library guest artist 2008
Hoover/Shelby Art Association judge 2008 & 2009
PUBLICATIONS
artsBHAM 1/2015 visual arts, by Michael Huebner
Shelby County Living, 7/2012 issue, by Laura Brookhardt
POTTERS’PAGES 3/2012, volume 11-6, by The Potters Council of The American Ceramic Society
Telluride Inside by Susan Viebrock, August 2021
Telluride Gallery Guide Winter/Spring 2023 Magazine
