Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery
CURRENT ART EXHIBITION AT THE BEVERLY & SAM ROSS GALLERY
Dezmond Gipson: Generally Digital
One lesson that just won’t stick is “Stay on brand!
DEZMOND GIPSON
August 22 – October 10
Reception: Friday, August 29 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dezmond Gipson is a self-proclaimed “Digital Generalist”, he explores multiple modes of expression through digital media and blurs the line between personal output and commercial.
Dezmond Gipson, a native of Memphis, grew up in the Raleigh neighborhood and attended Craigmont High School. He developed a passion for art and technology during his adolescence, inspired by his stepfather’s enthusiasm for computers. In the early 2000s, he and his twin brother built computers when most households had only one. This access allowed them to create Dragon Ball Z fan edits and produce AMVs (Anime Music Videos) before realizing what an AMV was.
Newgrounds.com significantly influenced Dezmond’s creative journey by introducing him to amateur filmmaking and inspiring his first animations in middle school. His high school continued to support these interests through groups like Future Business Leaders of America and the Technology Student Association, which encouraged the creation of Flash games.
Dezmond later attended Memphis College of Art, where he initially focused on 2D animation. His exposure to cinema, 3D animation, graphic design, and digital photography led him to embrace the role of a “Digital Generalist” and lean into becoming a true jack-of-all-trades.
Dezmond’s creative career is shaped by his experience in photography, cinematography, graphic design, motion design, and video editing. As a Digital Generalist, he has achieved financial success and developed a deep appreciation for the power of communication through visual media.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
The phrases “You are what you eat,” “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck,” and “I think, therefore I am” highlight how my over eight years in corporate broadcasting have shaped my artistic perspective. While art school me encouraged viewer engagement, the corporate version of me now focuses on clear and concise communication, often aiming for bold statements within a minute. There’s a desire to omit details and target only the intended audience while avoiding everyone else.
One lesson that just won’t stick is “Stay on brand!”. I won’t be adhering to the style guide. Instead, I plan to reinvent myself at least once every quarter. As a Digital Generalist, my diverse skill set is showcased through my extensive body of work.
The Beverly + Sam Ross Gallery is located on the lower level of Plough Memorial Library in the center of campus on the Buckman Quadrangle, easily accessible from the Central Avenue parking lot and the East Parkway entrance. All exhibits are free and open to the public.
CONTACT
Scott A. Carter, MFA
Assistant Professor and Gallery Coordinator • (901) 321-3243 • scarte20@cbu.edu
