Paseo's First Friday Art Walk

Romy Owens' Little Prairies featured in November

Oklahoma City – The Project Box will feature Oklahoma City artist Romy Owens in the month of November with an exhibition titled Little Prairies. Prequelling the statewide art installation led by Owens called The Unbearable Absence of Landscapes, which opens at 108|Contemporary in Tulsa on December 4, Little Prairies will feature smaller interpretations of constructed landscapes that encourage an Oklahoma City-centric discussion about the concepts explored in Owens’ current body of work.

The show will include creative interpretations of landscape art including hand-sewn works on paper, digital media, knitted sculptural pieces, installation, and photography. Owens is influenced significantly by science fiction in books, television, and movies.

“I am creating art about our diminishing experience with the landscape,” Owens said. “As the availability of an unadulterated landscape disappears with urban sprawl, billboard splattered interstates, and fracking, our active engagement with the outdoors dwindles as we choose a climate-controlled path in front of illuminated screens.”

Owens leans into the language of women, using sewing and knitting to construct many of the landscapes that will be on display. “I find the techniques of fiber arts comforting and nostalgic, just as photographs are also a source of comfort and nostalgia. Quilts and photographs are frequently the objects that become heirlooms in a family.”

Little Prairies opens November 6 with an opening reception during the Paseo Art District’s monthly First Friday Art Walk and remains on display through November 28.

On Saturday, November 28, The Project Box will host an art-making workshop with Owens, when participants can create their own Little Prairie using various media. Little Prairies is Owens’ first exhibition at The Project Box. The November show marks Owens’ seventh solo exhibition in the Paseo Arts District since 2009.

The Project Box is an art gallery and community art space in the Paseo Arts District dedicated to promoting emerging artists and building community through experiential learning opportunities. For more information visit theprojectboxokc.com.

Romy Owens is an Oklahoma City-based artist and curator creating art using photography, fiber, and printmaking media. For more information visit romyowens.com.

The Gayly – November 5, 2015 @ 6:20 a.m.