For the first time, The James Museum is presenting an exhibition by internationally acclaimed Tampa-based artist Ya La’ford. The abstract paintings and sculptures are the culmination of the artist’s recent three-month exploration of American West. Survey the West: A Cross-Continental Reflection marks The James Museum’s debut of an exhibition dedicated to abstract art, reflecting its commitment to showcasing experimental art styles. The exhibition opened on February 15 and runs through May 18, 2025.

In working with La’ford, The James bolsters its dedication to highlighting contemporary artists,
presenting diverse perspectives and amplifying a broad spectrum of voices. A first generation
American of Jamaican descent, La’ford brings a powerful and unique viewpoint to her art, and this
exhibition is her largest solo show to date. A hallmark of La’ford’s work is the connections she
makes between her heritage and vulnerable communities using the power of art as a universal
language.

“Survey the West represents a bold new chapter for The James Museum,” said Executive Director
Robin Nicholson. “A fresh voice for our museum, La’ford has created striking works that invite us
to see landscapes and cultures through a distinct and deeply personal lens.”

In this exhibition, La’ford explores the American West through her signature geometric and linear
labyrinths, redefining traditional views of the West. During her time in the region, La’ford surveyed
mountains, canyons and other geological features that were shaped over millions of years by heat,
gravity, wind and water. The resulting art captures the essence of place, prioritizing color, shape,
texture and emotion.

“My journey through the American West was nothing short of transformative, and I am profoundly
honored to unveil this experience in my largest solo exhibition at The James Museum,” said
La’ford. “Their commitment to showcasing abstract art not only amplifies diverse voices but also
creates powerful opportunities for meaningful conversations that reconstruct our future narratives. Through this exhibition, we aim to challenge perceptions and inspire a collective reimagining of our shared stories, bridging the past with the possibilities of tomorrow.”

Guided tours of Survey the West will begin at the museum’s permanent galleries, offering visitors a chance to explore how diverse artists have portrayed the American West across time. From there, the journey transitions into Survey the West, inviting guests to connect these traditional depictions with Ya La’ford’s abstract and contemporary impressions. This thoughtful sequence fosters meaningful connections between the exhibition, the permanent collection and the community, highlighting shared themes and unique perspectives.

“We feel this exhibition is both innovative and connected to the heart of the museum, our
permanent collection,” said Emily Kapes, Chief Curator of The James Museum. “The layered
compositions capture the essence of the West in a compelling new way.”

The art acknowledges and challenges how we determine boundaries through the historical process of surveying land, while also offering the idea that, beyond the drawn lines, there is boundlessness. Through the exhibition, The James Museum continues to foster a conversation about the intersection of land, heritage and the narratives of the people of the West.

The exhibition includes two experiences that will extend the opportunity for guest exploration.
First, an in-gallery immersive element reflects La’Ford’s innovative use of multi-sensory
experiences, connecting her pieces to one another and to the viewer. And known for community
murals that embody her art ethos, La’ford will compose a new mural, inviting the public to
contribute to its creation during a portion of the exhibition.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION TOURS
Docent-led tours will be every day from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. while the special exhibition is on view.

Survey the West is the first of four special exhibitions planned for The James Museum in 2025. The
exhibitions allow visitors to encounter extraordinary works of art while exploring the compelling
stories and voices behind them. For more information on the 2025 exhibitions and related events,
visit thejamesmuseum.org/special-exhibitions and follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook
for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at each exhibition.

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on instagram or twitter for live updates or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. The information contained within about the “Survey The West” exhibition at the James Museum of Western Wildlife and Art is taken direct from a press release from Melinda Hartline at HARTLINE communications and Stephanie Adamo, the Director of Marketing at the James Museum and used with permission.