Brandon Sadler’s world-building through poetry, painting, and calligraphy
North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA) presenta “Brandon Sadler: The Path of Totality, Chapter One – Bathed in Shadow,” on view July 10 through December 27, 2025. An opening reception with the artist and curator will be held Thursday, July 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with remarks at 6:30 p.m. The museum is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
“The Path of Totality” is an ongoing episodic narrative series made up of figurative and calligraphic works that reflect Sadler’s diverse passion for storytelling, ink painting, and East Asian art forms. By adapting “shufa,” the art of Chinese brush character writing, he transforms the gallery into an immersive journey of mastering a medium through the Three Perfections: poetry, painting, and calligraphy.
Inspired by Sadler’s passion for world-building that combines calligraphy with figurative painting, “The Path of Totality” explores a mythical universe inhabited by beings who can cultivate cosmic energy and create realities through written language. With several newly created paintings by the artist, “Chapter One – Bathed in Shadow” specifically investigates the concept of supreme love, an all-encompassing and ever-expanding force that permeates everything beyond space and time.
“This exhibition is a culmination of Brandon’s work over the past few years, emphasizing his cross-cultural storytelling and world-building,” Maya Brooks, associate curator of Contemporary Art at the NCMA and exhibition curator, said. “I’m excited for our audience to get to know Brandon, because many have probably seen his work in popular settings (Marvel’s Black Panther and his public murals), but they may not have seen his work in a more immersive exhibition. I’ve personally appreciated working with Brandon because he has a very clear vision and understanding of his practice that translates to the overall narrative of ‘The Path of Totality.’”
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Brandon Sadler is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a BFA in Illustration. Sadler is renowned for his calligraphy, public murals, and performance art. In addition to contributing to fine arts institutions, he has partnered with several major brands and commercial ventures, including a feature in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther film series.
ABOUT NCMA WINSTON-SALEM
NCMA Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA), an affiliate of the North Carolina Museum of Art and division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources since 2007, offers a front row seat to the art of our time through exhibitions, experiences, and education programs with a focus on regional working artists. Founded in 1956 and located on the scenic James G. Hanes estate in Winston-Salem, NCMA Winston-Salem offers unique large-scale indoor and outdoor settings for exploring the intersections of contemporary art and culture.
NCMA Winston-Salem is located at 750 Marguerite Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.
