“Ingrid Dee Magidson: Master of Metamorphosis” will open at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art on June 9, 2026.

The exhibition features nearly 20 years of work by mixed-media artist Ingrid Magidson. Rooted in themes of change and transformation, the show immerses visitors into a world where images shift, evolve and take on new life and meaning.

Showcasing both early works that pay homage to her inspirations and more recent pieces reflecting her ongoing evolution, the exhibition traces the arc of Magidson’s practice over time. Throughout this journey, she draws on a rich visual vocabulary that incorporates historical figures, transparent materials and found objects, bringing imagery from the Renaissance, Baroque and later eras into the present. Recurring motifs, including her signature butterflies, weave through her work as unifying elements across periods and themes. Together, Magidson’s layered, three-dimensional collaged compositions create a dynamic visual experience that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

“In my work, forms don’t remain fixed; they dissolve and emerge again,” Magidson said. “Like windows into the past, these transparent layers captivate and reveal dreams, memories and the essence of human existence.

“I’m inspired by the emotional depth of Renaissance and Baroque art. These figures lived full, complex lives and reimagining them allows their stories to speak to us in a new way.”

Curated by Dr. Kirsten Olds, OSU Museum of Art director and Marilynn and Carl Thoma Professor of the Arts, and intern Kayla Duckworth, the exhibition unfolds across five thematic sections: Masters, Monarchs, Muses, Metamorphosis and Moments.

This structure guides visitors through the inspirations and ideas that shape Magidson’s work, from her engagement with art historical figures such as Salvador Dali and Thomas Gainsborough in Masters to the narrative evoked in Monarchs, where works such as “Lights Descending” reflect on the tragic fate of the young sons of King Edward IV imprisoned in the Tower of London. In Metamorphosis, change emerges in multiple ways across Magidson’s practice, through shifts in subject matter, mood and approach, with abstraction playing an important role, exemplified by paintings like “Sunset Skies with Butterflies,” which suggest transformation, movement and renewal.

“I was immediately drawn to Ingrid Magidson’s work. She reimagines Renaissance and Baroque imagery in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new,” Duckworth said. “The dimensionality of her pieces draws viewers in, encouraging them to look closely and engage with the work on multiple levels. Together, the themes in this exhibition help tell the story of Magidson’s artistic journey and the abstract progression of the human experience.”

Visitors are encouraged to slow down and become present with the works, allowing the layered imagery to unfold gradually. As figures shift between past and present, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on transformation and on how identities, memories and histories evolve.

“I hope viewers feel a sense of quiet connection,” Magidson said. “These works aren’t meant to be decoded — they’re meant to be felt.”

The artist will share insights about her work in a public reception on June 11, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. Copies of her most recent book, “Layers of Discovery: The Art of Ingrid Dee Magidson Vol. II (2013-2025)” featuring full-color plates and an essay by Olds, will also be available for purchase.

Ingrid Dee Magidson: Master of Metamorphosis