Untitled Art Fair, Miami Beach OVR, December 2-6, 2020

SVA Galleries, Curator, Dan Halm

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I make objects that could be painting or sculpture. By utilizing vibrant colors, diverse shapes, textures, shadows, even reflections I am interested in the possibilities of observation in non-representational work.  

Layers and repetition form the contextual basis of my practice. While these two words describe the physical properties of the work, they also describe the act of making them.  A shape's outline is cut repeatedly until there is nothing left, a painting is built up with layers of paint or cut into strips and used to weave a form, the repetition of one shape builds a larger shape.

 Layers and repetition also provide the conceptual basis representing layers and evidence of time, experience, meaning, or multiple identities of the self. Color choice, shape selection, and presentation are ways for me to find expression.

Looking requires effort, and perspective is key to visual comprehension and yet both are a variable.  By positioning oneself directly in front of a work, the layers one sees create a sense of depth or overlap that make a kind of visual quiver; step to the side and the view reveals an accumulation that participated in the disruption but emphasizes the effort of observation.

As a formalist, my work plays with space and the relationship between shapes. As a colorist, I am trying to create effective and emotional responses for myself and the viewer.

Barbara Owen, December 2020

These word pieces are hand cut with an Xacto knife - each letter of the word or phrase is cut in outline until too small to continue. The pieces of each letter are attached and arranged on a dowel. A word becomes an object, it’s not important to know what it says. It is what it is.