About the Exhibit

What can people expect to see?

Curated by Ellemnop.Art, the exhibition explores the complexities of human emotion, identity, transformation, and vulnerability through visually stunning artwork paired with bespoke music compositions. Each piece by Landry is accompanied by a unique audio element by Monoblack, creating a guided journey through sound and imagery that invites introspection and emotional engagement.

“The Monsters We Sometimes Become” challenges visitors to confront the dualities within themselves—the fears, transformations, and internal battles that shape the human experience. The guided gallery walk, enhanced by paired music, fosters deep reflection and emotional resonance.

An artist collective.

The Monsters We Sometimes Become is an interdisciplinary artist collective – curated by Ellemnop.Art. The collective confronts the complexities of identity, transformation, and the human condition through immersive, genre-defying artworks. Comprised of three distinct yet deeply collaborative creatives—visual artist Nathaniel A.J. Landry, gallery curator and creative engineer Keidrick Alford, and designer/audio composer Monoblack—the collective bridges the emotional and the abstract, the sonic and the tangible, to explore what lurks beneath the surface of personal identity.

Their work exists at the intersection of visual art, sound, spatial design, and curatorial experimentation, crafting installations and experiences that are both visceral and contemplative. Whether it’s through Landry’s evocative visual storytelling, Alford’s spatial and thematic orchestration, or Monoblack’s haunting, cinematic soundscapes and design, the collective examines the masks we wear, the roles we inherit, and the inner ‘monsters’ we navigate in the pursuit of becoming whole.

‍About the Artists

Nathaniel Landry

Nathaniel is an Illustrator, Painter, Hip Hop Emcee, and Art Instructor residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern University in Fine Arts as well as a Master’s Degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

His first solo exhibition: “It’s Goin’ Down”, opened November 20th, 2009 at Insomkneeacks in Baton Rouge. Throughout the years, he has participated in numerous art exhibitions and has exhibited with his father, Nathaniel “Pops” Landry in various father/son art shows.

Nathaniel has also instructed art for thirteen years in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and was an adjunct art professor for two years in the Fine Arts Department at Southern University.

Currently, Nathaniel is working with Ellemnop Art, an art collaborative that curates his work through virtual and in-person exhibitions, art pop-ups and online marketing. Together, they have created a line of limited-edition art prints, immersive visual art experiences, and creative product designs, featuring Nathaniel’s artwork and designs.

Monoblack

Monoblack, originating in 2018 and hailing from Baton Rouge, LA, is an innovative DIY musician, producer, and designer.  Thriving on a minimal electronic music stage setup, he utilizes only the bare necessities to deliver a solid, uncompromised live show.  His commitment to simplicity in performance is mirrored in his dark and experimental IDM electronic music, featuring subtle foley sounds, distorted basses, rhythmic drums, and minimal yet memorable melodies.  What sets Monoblack apart is his hands-on approach to every facet of his artistic journey.  He is not only the creator of his music but also the driving force behind his visuals, merchandise, video content and live performances.  A true DIY musician, producer, and designer, Monoblack's dedication to crafting an immersive experience extends from the studio to the stage and beyond.

‍Artist Statements

Nathaniel Landry

I have designed these fine art displays to challenge the boundaries between what is "human" and what is "other”.  I aimed to create emotional and visual tension that forces viewers to confront the parts of themselves they might prefer to ignore.  My works invite a dialogue about the things we do not speak of—the monsters that exist in both the collective and individual subconscious. Some pieces evoke surreal dreamscapes, where symbolic creatures come alive, reflecting the emotional alter-ego of the artist and the viewer. Others employ abstraction to explore the fragmentation of self and the chaos of flirting with one’s internal conflict.  The phrase "The Monsters We Sometimes Become" speaks not only to the external forces that shape our actions but also to the internal battles that sometimes define us.

Monoblack

As Monoblack, I create dark, atmospheric electronic music that blurs the line between sound design and storytelling. My compositions combine haunting melodies, distorted textures, and intricate rhythms to evoke raw emotion and explore the depths of human experience.  As a DIY artist, I am deeply hands-on, designing all my branding, live visuals, merchandise, and marketing to craft a cohesive and immersive identity.  Every element of Monoblack, from sound to visuals, is created with the intention of connecting deeply with listeners, inviting them into a world that is equal parts introspective and cinematic.