Michael Crespo is recognized for striking representational paintings of fish, animals, fruit and flowers that verge on the autobiographica. Anchored by mysterious deep black backgrounds, these haunting compositions heighten the importance of familiar images while exposing their mystical qualities. Inspired by Italian Renaissance paintings and Jungian theories, Crespo’s dreams informed the imagery for these highly realist depictions of the vulnerability and graceful strength of nature. Crespo’s work re-establishes the universal spiritual connections between man, animal and the natural world.

Michael Crespo was born in New Orleans in 1947 and passed away in Baton Rouge in 2010. He received his MFA degree from the City University of New York and BFA from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He was a leading LSU School of Art faculty member for 40 years, serving as director from 1990-96. He exhibited constantly across the country, and his work is in numerous collections including the Aquarium of the Americas, New Orleans; Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock; J. McIlhenny Collection, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; Louisiana Arts & Sciences Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana Division of the Arts, Baton Rouge; Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans; Rose Family Foundation, Memphis; and the Taco Bell Corporation, San Diego, CA.