George Loli: Theatrics of Space

Theatrics of Space is posthumous celebration of the artwork and legacy of George Loli, longtime professor of art at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This exhibition features artwork from across Loli’s lifetime as well as the work of a number of students and colleagues that he influenced over the course of his career. The exhibition charts the evolution of Lafayette from a historical and artistic context and celebrates the dynamism of the local community at the intersection of education and art.

The exhibition will open to the public in the AcA Main Gallery from September 14, 2024 through January 11, 2025.

Theatrics of Space highlights the breadth of Loli’s work, offering a glimpse into his creative process through sketchbooks, class projects, and an interactive area. It spans his entire career, showcasing pieces from its early stages to his later years, featuring famous landmarks, abstract works, and rare playful creations.

“Sketching, drawing and painting are the great passions of my life. When I draw, sketch or paint, my goal is not necessarily to produce beautiful artworks, but to try to capture the quality and the spirit of a particular space. I search for balance, mood and light to help communicate the essence of that place and its architecture. This is my passion.” – George Loli

George Loli studied architecture in Florence before moving to New York, where he lived and worked for several years. He spent 36 years as a professor of Architecture and Design at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, retiring in 2011. His drawings gained national and international recognition through exhibits in France, Italy, and the U.S. Loli’s work, along with that of his students, has been featured in various publications on architecture, art, and graphic design. In 2000, he was a runner-up for the Gabriel Prize, and he won multiple awards from the Louisiana Watercolor Society.