News Release

Oklahoma Photographer Finds Documenting Real People Rewarding

June 28, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ann Dee Lee
Public Information Director
Oklahoma Arts Council
(405) 521-2931
anndee@arts.ok.gov

Oklahoma City, OK - Narciso Argüelles’ photography records the way real people live their lives. The Argüelles exhibit will be on display in the first floor of the North Gallery at the State Capitol from July 2 through September 2. Curated by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the North Gallery is devoted to Oklahoma’s finest photographers and is open daily from 8:30-5:00.

When asked why he makes art, Argüelles said, “because there is hope in it that I can express and share with others. Sometimes it is just enough to know someone else is going through the same experiences and trials of life. But also to notice the unnoticeable and to bring to light the details that make life worth living. 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.”

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 more information, contact Ann Dee Lee, Public Information Director, Oklahoma Arts Council, (405) 521-2931 or anndee@arts.ok.gov.

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA ARTS COUNCIL

The Oklahoma Arts Council is a state agency whose mission is to improve lives through the arts by promoting and sustaining the development of a thriving arts environment, which is essential to quality of life, education and economic vitality for all Oklahomans.

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