Under the Influence: Music + Art

Under the Influence: Music + Art

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- What inspires the artist? What influence does music have on the artist as they create? These questions became the premise for an unusual exhibition combining the interpretive power of Music + Art. Artists produced new works of art inspired by personally significant musical selections. The result is a wonderful exploration which provides insight into the creative process of some of your favorite local artists. "Under the Influence: Music + Art' will be on display in the Eleanor Kirkpatrick Gallery at City Arts Center from December 2, 2004 – January 8, 2005. Featured artists include: Marwin Begaye, Gloria Abella De Duncan, deShan, Basile Kolliopoulos, George Hughes, Susan Morrison, George Oswalt, Christina Pickard, Maria Elena Ruffin, Stephanie Ruggles Winter, Eric Saak, Ernesto Sanchez, Bert Seabourn, Byron Shen, Clint Stone, William Struby, Jennifer Taylor and Corozon Watkin. There will be an opening reception and entire evening of music + art mixers on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at City Arts Center from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. that is free and open to the public. This evening will include: a 5:30pm gallery presentation by Dr. Edward Knight, Director of Composition/Composer in Residence, Oklahoma City University entitled: "The Creative Connection,' a musical performance by the Kolliopoulos Brothers, and a video production exploring the creative process created by 11 University of Central Oklahoma graduating seniors.
The Eleanor Kirkpatrick Gallery is located in City Arts Center at State Fair Park, 3000 General Pershing Blvd., OKC, OK. For more information or to find out about holiday hours call 951-0000. Normal gallery hours are Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Under the Influence challenged artists to incorporate their musical tastes into their creative process and convey how it impacted their process. Many artists are introspective and this exhibit helps the artist invite the viewer along on their creative journey. Accompanying each piece will be a set of headphones allowing viewers to listen to the artist's musical selection. Displayed next to the work will be the song selection, musician and a brief artist statement. In addition, a gallery narrative has been written by Elizabeth Lowry to help further facilitate the dialogue between artist and viewer. Lowry is a professional photographer and freelance writer who dedicated her energy to the local art scene in Oklahoma. She has since relocated to Seattle.
Gallery Director, Troy Wilson says, "The exhibit is interactive and involves more of the senses which will result in a richer experience. This exhibit does not take a formal approach to the study of music and art. It is an exploration of process and I think the most intriguing aspect will be to observe what influenced the artist's musical selection. Will the music be older or modern music? Were there cultural ties? Is this music temporal in the artist's life? Did the artist interpret the lyrics or the emotion of the music? There is a natural dialogue that transpires between artist and viewer and we hope to enhance that experience.'
The descriptive words used to describe music can also be used to describe visual arts. Rhythm is the skeletal framework that creates cohesiveness and links musical ideas creating familiarity. Visually, rhythm is incorporated in the same way. The use of color or repetition directs eye movement and helps form continuity. Monophonic and polyphonic textures are utilized to create depth and impart a mood or emotionality to the auditory experience. In the visual arts, texture offers a tactile element that adds depth and dimension which often evokes an emotional response. Color is most obviously associated with the visual arts and yet orchestration or the selection of a particular instrument dictates the color of a musical selection. Sounds produced by instruments individually and in unison affect the auditory color in much the same way that pure colors versus composite colors affect the overall color of a visual piece. Complimentary colors suggest a different mood than do monochromatic color schemes. These are only a few of the many ways that music + art can be compared. Great works of art manipulate these components and relationships to create impact or make a visual impression. Frequently artist's internal motivation dictates their expression. In this exhibit, artists have been asked to let music guide their creative journey. The result is an interactive multi-sensory experience for all to share.
This exhibit is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council. Full Season Gallery sponsors include: Allied Arts, Classical KCSC 90.1FM, Kirkpatrick Family Fund
Mattison Avenue Publishing Corporation, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma's News Channel 4 and Wilson Research Strategies