Terrance Osborne was born, in 1974, in New Orleans, a city full of culture that greatly influenced his art. From a young age, he was surrounded by artistic talent and often saw his family creating art while he was at home. Seeing this inspired him to develop a strong passion for art early in his life.
As he grew older, Osborne attended New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. There, he met his art mentor, Richard C. Thomas, from whom he learned about the philosophy of art as well as creative techniques. He later graduated from Xavier University and went on to teach art at Alice Harte Elementary School for five years.
An unexpected turning point in his life occurred when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Flooding swept away his family’s house, forcing them to move to Georgia. This devastating experience changed his life and became a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.This hardship inspired Osborne to express his experiences and emotions through his artwork. Many of his pieces were inspired by this period of loss and recovery. Through these works, he demonstrated the power of art as a way to communicate emotions and heal from what he had lost. Osborne states, “Art is the footprint of where the mind has traveled.”
For example, Rebirth (2007) captures Phil Frazier, leader of the grassroots New Orleans band Rebirth, marching through the streets with his horn in hand, like a pied piper of hope, summoning the spirit of the city back to life in the aftermath of Katrina.
In contrast to the devastation he experienced, Osborne’s art style brims with vibrant colors and an uplifting energy, reflecting the liveliness and cultural richness of his hometown, New Orleans. He often paints subjects such as streetcars, jazz musicians and everyday scenes that capture the spirit of the city.
Osborne’s earliest recognition came in 2004, when he received the “40 Under 40” award. This honor recognized his contributions as an art teacher and his impact on the local art community through his techniques. In 2018, he partnered with Nike to design a New Orleans-inspired Air Force 1 sneaker, a global platform that helped spread his art to a younger audience. This opportunity led to his creating an official poster for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
As his style continued to grow and deepen, Osborne was selected several times to create the official poster for the Jazz & Heritage Festival, also widely known as Jazz Fest. Osborne’s posters often showcase colorful scenes with dynamic style that represents the unique culture of New Orleans. In 2014, his poster featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band caught a lot of public attention. Osborne continues to be recognized as one of the most collected artists associated with the festival.
Through his artistic journey, he transformed his personal adversities into a celebration of life and culture, using his art to inspire others while healing and bringing communities together.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
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