Students reimagine past artworks in ‘Past-Present’ exhibition
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Media Contact: Casey Ihde | OSU Museum of Art | 405-744-2777 | casey.pankey@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art presents “Past-Present.” Opening Tuesday, Feb. 11, this student-juried exhibition highlights emerging artists reinterpreting historical works. Students will talk about their work during the reception on Thursday.
Displayed alongside the original works that inspired them, the student pieces create a dialogue between the past and present while incorporating new techniques. For centuries, artists have studied their predecessors to develop their craft. “Past-Present” continues that tradition.
“As an artist, developing your voice is all about experimenting and taking in as many influences as you possibly can so that you are able to recombine fragments from your own personal well of influences in a way that feels authentic and original. The more you work outside of your comfort zone, the more you can do that,” said Markia Christofides, an OSU teaching assistant professor of studio art.
The exhibition also invites viewers to consider how history continues to shape contemporary art.
“I think that often, as artists and viewers, we see older works of art and ask ourselves, ‘Why is this still so important?’ This exhibition seeks to answer that question and explain how we continue to use these works of the past as a means of exploring and navigating the future,” said Sam Holguin, exhibition student-juror.
Faculty mentor Ben Murphy, an OSU assistant professor of studio arts, explains how this process benefits students.
“Studying historic artworks helps to provide a framework for students to explore specific techniques, understand how compositions are constructed, and to create a new work that is related to a historic artwork yet is unique to the student’s identity,” Murphy said.
The museum will host a reception for “Past-Present” from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, with remarks at 5:30 p.m. The show is on view from Feb. 11 to March 22, 2025. Learn more about the exhibition at https://museum.okstate.edu/art/past-present.html.
