“I could go on, but I won’t; because despite all of that, this is a happy story: one of triumph and overcoming those many obstacles. My dad never abandoned his beliefs or ideas. And those ideas won.” Matt’s acceptance of the different cultures and lifestyles in the American South allowed him to see the unique transformation artists have brought to the world. “I have been able to work with folks in my dad’s generation- a generation of artists who toiled, mostly in obscurity, who finally have their voices heard: where those voices are being heard loud and clear and in the most hallowed halls in the art world.” He hopes this time of progress in America is not met with any setbacks, as it has already taken the art world and its contributors by storm. To Lonnie, Matt and his father have become a second family. As they work to build a team of fellow trailblazers, the men grow closer. Lonnie likens their bond to roots- roots which have an ability to break through even the strongest of human foundations. Matt’s work differs slightly from his father’s. After being surrounded by the great culture of Southern artists in his adolescence, he has found his own unique voice and way of portraying talents. Matt treasures the intimacy of the smaller, curated events. His experience with large exhibits and shows often pales in comparison to the pure magic a spontaneous performance can give. One of the first performances 34
RSVP JULY / AUGUST 2018
Matt organized was at his Atlanta location, “Grocery on Home,” and it also happened to be Lonnie’s debut. That event became a music series that continues to this day, still performed at “Grocery on Home.” Matt’s encouragement for Lonnie to pursue his musical talent was the beginning of Lonnie’s fruitful career. As Lonnie’s talent continues to blossom- showing in places like New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and being featured in prestigious prints like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times- the opportunities continue to present themselves. The two are hard at work as they film music videos for Lonnie’s new record, coming out this fall. “He thinks on a much higher plane than the rest of us. But he’s kind enough to always make me feel like I’m smart enough to understand what he’s thinking. Truth is, none of us are,” Matt says of Lonnie. Lonnie is currently working on a film to showcase his visionary ways of thinking. As the duo continues to make a mark on the South’s already unique heritage, their hope is for a culture of acceptance and change. Lonnie believes art is the way to further this frontier: “Hopefully greater opportunities will continue to come in the next few years. I feel like respect is finally coming and I hope that continues. There is so much we can all learn from artists’ experiences and activities, but we must want a better understanding. For the greatness of all.”