The human form finds itself as the center of two exhibitions opening at MAINSITE this December. I, Doppelgänger — featuring works from artists Alexis Austin and Mary James Ketch — and a solo photography exhibition from Greer Inez both celebrate and explore the human form as a wellspring of artistic inspiration.
The exhibitions debut with an opening reception from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, December 13 and runs through Friday, January 10. A closing reception takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, January 10. Both receptions are free, open-to-the-public and coincide with the 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk taking place in Downtown Norman each month.
In a Mood by Mary James Ketch
The human figure has intrigued artists since the beginning of time. Arguably our most ubiquitous subject matter as a creative species has always been ourselves. Two contemporary artists, Mary James Ketch and Alexis Austin find themselves in the long lineage and are especially drawn to the female form, which is explored in I, Doppelgänger.
From the Venus figurines through early mythology, a woman’s body has been seen as the beginning and source of all life. The modern world has shed light on the fact that while these motifs have been prevalent, the role of women has always been far more complex. She can have the power of man, in every capacity, while perhaps still claiming the distinctly female archetypes concerning emotional responsiveness and grace.
Ghost Twin by Alexis Austin
Austin was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Oklahoma City. She was accepted into the studio art program at Oklahoma City University. Still looking for more, she moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College to focus on fashion design. She implements different techniques to achieve textures that people want to touch and uses bold colors to catch the eye. Textiles play an important role as part of her medium. The specific type of fabric frequently determines both the techniques employed and often the content as well. In addition to painting she has a photography business and is a personal chef, allowing her to be creative in her personal work and in business.
Ketch is a contemporary American artist living in Norman, Oklahoma. Her narrative paintings are a visual distillation of scenes of everyday life, in which the figures seem to inhabit a lyrical, dream-like world. She draws on memories from childhood, family life, and the surrounding landscape. Ketch attended the University of Oklahoma before receiving her M.F.A. from the University of Southern California, School of Cinema-Television.
Greer Inez
Inez’s work explores similar territory as Ketch and Austin with her collection of works embodying her solo exhibition. Inez is a photographer and artist raised in Norman, Oklahoma. Her work is inspired by nature, the female body, color theory, social change and sensuality. Inez typically shoots with Polaroid and 35mm film, then paints onto her imagery using acrylic or encaustics and oil.
MAINSITE Contemporary Art is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturdays are by appointment only. The gallery has free daily admission.