Now in its second decade, the annual exhibit Momentum: Art Doesn’t Stand Still returns Friday and Saturday.
Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition started Momentum 11 years ago to showcase young artists statewide. All featured artists are age 30 or under.
“Momentum gives you a sense of what young artists in Oklahoma are creating,” said Kelsey Karper, OVAC associate director. “It’s exciting because some are still early in art development and experimenting. They’re taking risks, so you can see a lot of things you wouldn’t see at other art exhibits.”
This year’s curators, Alison Hearst and Candace Coker, chose three “Spotlight” artists who received commissions of $2,000 and curatorial guidance to develop large-scale displays for the show: Edmond’s Marcus Kesler, Norman’s Margaret Kinkeade and Hobart’s Samantha Lamb. Their results are diverse.
right Marcus Kesler’s photographs document the remains of historically all-black towns in Oklahoma.
Kesler’s project focuses on the historically all-black towns of Oklahoma.
He photographed these communities to show how some have thrived, while others have disintegrated. Longexposure shots taken in the moonlight are his signature.
Kinkeade centered her project around the Shaker community’s belief in gender equality, designing a Shaker-style kitchen table and chairs from porcelain, and two wall-hanging quilts cut from steel.
Lamb’s project brings her photography to life within a room-like structure containing her images, as well as many of the physical objects identified in them.
Momentum also features a juried exhibition of 118 pieces by 84 artists chosen from 202 applicants. A section of the exhibit will house the Momentum Market, where participating artists will sell handmade items like designed T-shirts, photography prints or jewelry, all priced at $30 or less.
“The market is good at introducing those new to buying art to doing so at an affordable price,” said Karper.
To set the mood, Momentum’s two nights feature live, local music. Friday’s “Downtempo” bill finds Jared Lekites, Colin Nance, Ryan Lawson and Hack & Saw Nation providing ambience, while Saturday’s “Full Speed” lineup includes Tip Top Secrets, Student Film and Reality and the New Era.
Attendes also may enjoy interactive activities, a cash bar and food provided by Waffle Champion.
