Westward, Faux

B. Shawn Cox, with his ranching roots in West Texas, took a different path from his ranching heritage to pursue degrees in Architecture and Law. After various business ventures and detours, he felt a compelling need to create, leading him to his current artistic practice. Cox’s work is deeply introspective, revisiting and reflecting on memories, perceptions, and understandings—some real, some imagined, and often distorted. Through his exploration of internal and external narratives, he seeks to visually express his motivations while gaining insights into the world and his place within it.

"My work often begins with personal or vintage found photographs, reinterpreting and sharing a moment in time," Cox explains. "Visually, I draw inspiration from a range of sources including vintage images, advertising, architecture, magazines, 80’s pop music, and literature. I’m fascinated by narratives, humor, clichés, irony, texture, and the layers of meaning that can be conveyed through color and form. I work with a mix of materials—paint, plaster, clay, and whatever else I find around the house or order from Amazon or eBay."

As a multimedia artist, Cox has exhibited his vibrant and eclectic works across the United States, where they have found homes in both private and corporate collections. Although he holds degrees in Architecture and Law, his art practice has been continuously evolving for over 30 years.

Currently, Cox’s artistic exploration follows two parallel paths. The first involves capturing and communicating ideas through an emotive lens while transforming the chosen medium as part of that expression. The second path focuses on creating graphic, colorful commentaries on social mythology, repurposing and challenging figurative stereotypes. In both, Cox likens himself to a cartographer, constantly mapping out his understanding of the world while calibrating his own evolving internal compass.

This exhibition will be on display at the Ellen Noël Art Museum from December 7th, 2024 - March 2nd, 2025. Admission for the Museum is always FREE. Our hours are Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-5pm, with extended hours on Thursday until 8pm.

On Saturday, December 7th from 1:30-3:30pm, the Museum will be having our Winter Community Art Day where B Shawn Cox will be giving an exclusive Artist Talk. Come listen to his artistic background, methods, and inspirations at this FREE event for the whole community!