Beyond the Horizon: The Expressive Landscapes of Rodney Demps
The Cornell Art Museum is proud to present a collection of imaginative and surreal landscape oil paintings by Rodney Demps. He is one of the most distinctive voices connected to the legendary Florida Highwaymen movement.
Presented in collaboration with Amanda James Gallery and The Highwaymen Collector, the exhibition highlights Demps’ unique interpretation of Florida’s natural scenery through richly colored and expressive compositions.
While rooted in the familiar imagery of Highwaymen painting palm trees, glowing sunsets, coastal waves, and tropical landscapes, Demps’ work moves beyond traditional realism into a dreamlike and surreal territory. His oil paintings often feature heightened color, dramatic cloud formations, luminous skies, and fluid brushwork that transform recognizable Florida landscapes into imaginative and atmospheric scenes. His work blends the spirit of the Highwaymen tradition with a distinctly expressive visual language.
Artist Bio
Rodney Demps (1953–2020) was born in Fort Pierce and was connected to renowned Florida artist A. E. Backus, who mentored several Highwaymen painters, including Alfred Hair. In 2004, Demps was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame alongside the original Highwaymen artists.
History of Highwaymen Artists
The original Florida Highwaymen were a group of 26 African American artists who began painting and selling Florida landscapes in the 1950s and 1960s during the era of segregation. Unable to exhibit in traditional galleries or museums, they sold their paintings door-to-door and from the trunks of their cars throughout Florida. Their entrepreneurial spirit and determination helped create one of the most significant and recognizable art movements in the state, and their story remains an important chapter in Black American cultural and artistic history.
Exhibition Details
Opening Reception: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Exhibition Dates: May 1, 2026 – September 27, 2026
Location: Lower Level Galleries, Cornell Art Museum
Opening Night: Enjoy live music, refreshments, and a special meet-and-greet with James Knill and Amanda Johnson of Amanda James Gallery, along with other Highwaymen collectors and specialists.
Art Talk: A special discussion with gallery owners James Knill and Amanda Johnson will take place during the exhibition (date to be announced).
“Exhibiting these works by Rodney Demps helps preserve the Highwaymen legacy, broaden the historical narrative, celebrate Florida’s cultural landscape, and give recognition to all artists connected to this important movement.”
— Marusca Gatto, Cultural Arts Director of Old School Square