Part of an ongoing visual novel – John Bankston continues the saga of his main character, Mr. M. In a style reminiscent of children’s book illustration, the paintings mask a darker agenda – topics of race, gender, oppression, and isolation are all at play. Unfolding in visible brushstrokes and areas of varied paint thickness, Mr. M’s journey is told without accompanying text (though the artist does use titles). Perhaps to further imply that the story is in progress, Bankston leaves certain areas neutral and uncolored – “portals” through which the viewer may step into the painting. Essentially, one is left to find his or her way through the story, thus interacting with and mirroring Mr. M’s own journey.

The exhibition will include a series of small paintings in oil and wax, as well as a number of larger works. The small paintings chronicle Mr. M’s departure from Gene and Gena (who abducted him to replace their missing son) and his subsequent trek through the forest in an effort to flee his enemy, Mr. L. Operating as both sequential “cells” in a linear narrative and stand-alone paintings, these small canvases document Mr. M’s meetings with various characters: Donkey Boy and HeeShee, who offer to take him away on a pillow cloud; a dubious woodsman; Mr. Kitten; and Rainbow Mystic. Toward the end of the story, Mr. M is captured by Mr. L’s henchmen. Considering the small paintings “the movie,” Bankston’s larger works function as “stills.” In these, the narrative is frozen to highlight specific events and characters.

Tapping into the viewer’s wish to complete, or fulfill, an unfinished narrative, Bankston also derives context from the history of his medium. In coloring books, the necessity for imagination allows for unique narratives to unfold. Bankston’s works suggest that identity is not only shaped through this process, but that our understanding of images is inextricably linked to subconscious desires.