Maddie Stratton

Growing up in New Orleans has considerably shaped my work. I am inspired by the vibrant colors of the houses, costuming and urban wildlife as well as the decay and detritus that comes with a city that is dependent on tourism and is sinking beneath our feet.
My recent work portrays animals encountering human celebrations from which they are meant to be excluded but are invariably affected by. The viewer is meant to identify with these creatures as they rampage, creating chaos and taking what they can get.
My paintings begin as digital collages and sketches. The compositions are translated onto canvas with a bright, warm wash to give my work a sense of whimsy and a sun kissed quality of a hot summer afternoon. My paintings are busy, full of pattern and activity, with bright colors interspersed with mischief and mayhem.
Through colorful paintings and tongue in cheek scenes, my paintings aim to discuss difficult subject matter such as climate change and wealth disparities. I use animals as subjects, anthropomorphizing them to further remove the scenes from their dark undertones and making them easier to digest.

BFA 2013 Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
2011 - Term 1 Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland

Solo Exhibitions:

2026
“Fuss & Feathers”, Good Children Gallery, New Orleans, LA

2025
“The Spoils”, Good Children Gallery, New Orleans, LA

2023
“Interloper”, The Java Project Gallery, Brooklyn, NY &
Aquarium Gallery, New Orleans, LA

2019
“Filling Her Time with Nothing At All”, Smith and Lens Gallery, Bay St Louis, MS

Selected Group Exhibitions:

2026
“The Bird Show” Invitational Group Show. Waveland Studio and Gallery, Waveland, MS
2025
‘18th Annual Louisiana Fine Arts Showcase’, Presidents residence, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA.
‘Drawing from the Well: Sources of Inspiration’, Carrol Gallery,
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
'Chaotique' Aquarium Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2024
'16: Good Children Gallery P.6 Exhibition', Good Children Gallery,
New Orleans, LA
'Best in Show' juried exhibition, Pamplemousse Gallery, Richmond, VA
“Notes from Camp” Carroll Gallery, New Orleans, LA
“Les Nouvelles Enfants” Good Children Gallery, New Orleans, LA
“Melatonin Overdrive”, Irving Park Art and Frame, Greensboro, NC
2023 “Gentling” Sibyl Gallery, New Orleans, LA
"Paper Fools" Gail Keenan Art Center, Waveland, MS
2022
“Here’s what I was Thinking” Sibyl Gallery, New Orleans, LA
“Take the Bait” Aquarium Gallery a...