North Gallery
Narciso Argüelles
Human Landscapes
July 2 thru September 2, 2007
Narciso Argüelles often includes sculptural elements with his photography by dealing with assemblage, or by using non-traditional materials.
“It is often an organic process,” Argüelles says, “when I work, I rely on instinct and education. The layers of the meaning become evident as I work on the piece.”
While he enjoys painting, drawing and sculpture, Argüelles likes the immediacy and portability of photography, using both conventional and digital cameras. When he was a freshman in college, he met photographer Rick Smolan who did the “day in the life” books in the 80’s and he encouraged Argüelles to go into photography. “Even when I was doing sculpture I would take photos of my work and my early sculpture work still lives on through my photography.” He was also inspired by other artists including Faith Ringgold, Daniel J. Martinez and Edgar Heap Of Birds.
Argüelles says much of his art’s subject matter and style come from his experiences living on both sides of the Mexico, U.S. border. “My art is all about inclusion. I find this to be very fulfilling as an artist, because I have come to a point that I feel like I am contributing and making normal, everyday people that live a life that is less than glamorous become noticed and appreciated in a way that others may overlook.
While still an undergraduate student at the University of California, San Diego, he began collaborating with the internationally known Border Art Workshop/Taller de Arte Fronterizo and soon became a full member. He has exhibited at the 9th Biennale of Sydney, The First Johannesburg Biennale in South Africa, The Alternative Biennale in Tucuman, Argentina, and across the United States, including New York City, New Haven and Los Angeles.
Currently teaching at the University of Central Oklahoma, he has been an art instructor for several years teaching at private art colleges and universities in Los Angeles and at public community colleges.
For Argüelles, his art is all about inclusion. “I stand within the community and observe and empower the members by documenting their existence and cultural pride. Someone once asked me why I make art. My answer was ‘because there is hope in it’. Hope that I can express and share with others. Bringing to other people the idea that no matter where they come from or which flag they pay homage to, they are here and they are worth whatever it took to get them here.”
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact Scott Cowan at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov.
The North Gallery is located on the 1st floor of the State Capitol and open daily from 8:00-5:30.