Farm machinery focus of LA artist’s paintings at OSU Museum of Art

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Los Angeles artist Karen Carson unveils her large-scale paintings depicting the gargantuan machines that are familiar sights in rural America and revered icons of agricultural in the exhibit “Movers and Shapers: Combines, Tractors, and Swathers,” at the OSU Museum of Art from June 1 to August 29. An opening reception with the artist and curator, including a question and answer session, is set for June 1, from 5 – 7 p.m.

Carson lives part time in rural Montana and her artwork explores new ways of dealing with the grandeur of that setting. Known for her fearless experimentation, she has created various series that deal with some of the most powerful forces of nature, including forest fires, waterfalls, and windstorms. In Movers and Shapers, she turns to the gigantic motorized masters of nature that have replaced much of the hands-on labor of farming. 

“With virtuosic brushwork and vibrant color, she celebrates these hulk-like machines, relishing their lumbering bodies, wide stances and geometric appendages,” writes curator Michael Duncan. 

Jokingly calling them “my big boyfriends,” Carson presents these monsters from a female point of view as humorous portraits of masculine vanity. With a sly sense of humor, she humanizes their forms, sublimating their aggressive power so they appear as friendly, almost sensual giants.

Carson’s exhibit is organized by the OSU Museum of Art and curated by Duncan, art critic and independent curator in Los Angeles. She is represented by the Rosamund Felson Gallery in Los Angeles. 

Major support for the exhibition and catalogue has been provided by the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, P & K Equipment (Stillwater, Oklahoma), and the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. 

The OSU Museum of Art will host the programs below, related to the exhibition. All are free to the public and no RSVP is required.

Opening Reception and Artist/Curator Q&A Monday, June 1, 5 – 7 pm (Q&A begins at 6) 

Family Days Saturday, June 13, 11 am – 4 pm Saturday, July 11, 11 am – 4 pm Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Artist Workshop Saturday, Aug. 29 

PHOTO: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/sets/72157651211510314