A new exhibit of works from two Oklahoma artists blooms open at MAINSITE starting in July.
Featuring new mixed media works of Irmgard Geul and Farooq Karim, Flowers of Hope showcases each artist’s independent work while celebrating the overlaps between, all tied together thematically on the symbolic power flowers hold in our lives.
Flowers of Hope, A Reconnection with Nature is an uplifting manifesto, that affirms nature’s capacity to inspire and give hope. The exhibition consists of paper and fiber artworks created by Geul and Karim.
The exhibition opens on Friday, July 14 and remains on display through Friday, September 8. An opening reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 14 with an artist reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 11 and closing reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 8. All receptions happen in conjunction with the 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk.
The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Gallery hours and receptions are all free and open to the public.
More about the artists:
Irmgard Geul
Netherlands-born, Pauls Valley-based full-time artist Irmgard Geul creates embroidery paintings. Her self explored technique of hand stitched embroidery over acrylic painted paper, invites to view her art as a sensory, organic experience.
Strongly influenced by her mother’s career in haute couture and a shared love for nature and gardening, Geul enhances the natural texture of each environment. Her contemporary landscapes, trees and flowers are mostly inspired by her rural surroundings and road trip adventures.
Geul has exhibited artwork in many group and solo exhibitions in galleries nationally and internationally. Her work has been covered by Oklahoma Today, Art Focus Oklahoma, Curbside Chronicle, and was recently featured on Gallery America by OETA.
Farooq Karim
Norman-based artist Farooq Karim creates stunningly impressive paper wall sculpture flowers, made of numerous intricately cut and glued strips.
Encouraged by his wife Blossom to conquer previous darker times in his life, Karim started in 2017 creating single paper flowers from old maps, magazines, music and letters. His artwork, mimics the bursts of a flower in full bloom, it explores the most beautiful part of nature.
Farooq is Director of Design for Rees Associates, 2023 co-chair for the OKC Festival of the Arts, current board member for OVAC, the Oklahoma City Civic Center and the Oklahomans for the Arts and Leadership Oklahoma. Farooq has exhibited his artwork in many group exhibitions. His artwork has recently been covered in the 405 Magazine.