INTRODUCTION

The work of renowned Memphis artist, Carroll Cloar, offers us a glimpse into his past, conveying a unique perspective of the American South. A gallery of Cloar’s work transforms into a path through his life, allowing viewers to stroll through his memories. On this path, we meet Cloar as a young boy. His works introduce us to the people he knew, the adventures he imagined, and the stories he heard. Combining memory with photographs from his childhood in Arkansas, every moment is depicted in a unique style that defies adherence to any particular school of art. Cloar saw his art as understated social criticism, and through it we can sense the social tensions that permeated life around him. His simplistic yet striking approach creates an air of intrigue, drawing us in to the personal and often mysterious nature of his works.