FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marie Butterline | 405-951-0000 | mbutterline@okcontemp.org
Media kit: https://bit.ly/ArtNow2025
Exhibition explores Oklahoman identity utilizing the themes of place and self with experimental materials and new practices
Oklahoma City (May 6, 2025) — Opening Sep. 18, 2025, in Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center’s Eleanor Kirkpatrick Main Gallery, ArtNow 2025: Materials and Boundaries delves into the complexities of identity, place and the boundaries that define Oklahoma. Organized by Guest Curator Alexa Goetzinger and Guest Curatorial Assistant Virginia Sitzes, Materials and Boundaries is the 2025 edition of the Oklahoma Contemporary ArtNow biennial exhibition, highlighting new and recent art from a selection of 25 artists active in the state.
As a state situated at the crossroads of multiple cultural regions, Oklahoma exists in a space that is both distinct and undefined. This exhibition brings together a diverse group of contemporary Oklahoma artists whose works examine the intersection of materiality and personal experience, presenting a nuanced narrative that speaks to both local and global audiences. They present thoughtful and methodical practices attuned to global trends while remaining grounded in the cultural and environmental shifts shaping contemporary Oklahoma.
Materials and Boundaries features a dynamic range of work by artists who have deep ties to Oklahoma, including:
Aaron Jones, Amy Sanders de Melo, Andy Mattern, Behnaz Sohrabian, Carlos Barboza, Đan Lynh Phạm, Denise Duong, Ebony Iman Dallas, Gabriel Friedman, Hank Ehrenfried, Hong Hong, Irmgard Geul, John Salame, Katelynn Knick, Kendall Ross, Le'Andra LeSeur, Leticia R. Bajuyo, Lindsey Cox, Maria Anderson, Marwin Begaye, Mary Claire Becker, Micah Wesley, Nic Annette Miller, Riley Joseph and Sarah Sullivan.
The artists selected bring forward perspectives grounded in the land and histories of Oklahoma, each offering their own lens through which to explore the themes of place, cultural heritage and contemporary life. From mixed-media explorations to site-specific work, these artists engage with materials both traditional and experimental, reflecting on the evolving nature of the state and its place within a larger global context.
Each artist’s work offers a rich exploration of the boundaries that shape identity — both physical and emotional — through art that not only stands out in its subtlety but also resonates with a broad audience. Each artist employs innovative techniques that engage with the cultural currents of the moment, pushing the boundaries of what is possible while reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of the Oklahoma experience. From large-scale installations to intimate works, the exhibition highlights how contemporary Oklahoma artists are helping to redefine the state’s creative landscape.
Guest Curator Alexa Goetzinger
About the guest curator
Alexa Goetzinger is an independent curator, nonprofit professional, development consultant and grant writer based in Oklahoma City. Goetzinger was born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and has degrees in fine art and art history from the University of Oklahoma. From 2019-2023, Goetzinger co-curated a national annual print exchange, Connect: Collect, and coinciding exhibition, Print as Object, for Oklahoma City University’s Hulsey Gallery.
Goetzinger has worked as a development consultant for Sunny Dayz Mural Festival, Education Director for Artspace at Untitled and Associate Director of Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, where she administered both the program and national catalog for Art 365 (2021) and Concept (2020). She has worked with the Paseo Arts Association as a mentor for FEAST and as a curator for Print on Paseo. In her spare time, Goetzinger is an advocate for arts education and integration programs in the state of Oklahoma.
ArtNow: Materials and Boundaries will be on view through Feb. 16, 2026.
About Oklahoma Contemporary
Oklahoma Contemporary, formed in 1989 as City Arts Center by Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers, is a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality, accessible and affordable arts programming. With a mission to encourage artistic expression in all its forms through education, exhibitions and performance, Oklahoma Contemporary is committed to instilling in the public a lifetime appreciation of the arts and enthusiasm for creative practice. For more information on free exhibitions, class schedules and public programs, visit oklahomacontemporary.org.
More information can be found in the media kit at https://bit.ly/ArtNow2025. Past press releases and information are archived at okcontemp.org/media
Images:
Detail views of artworks (left to right) by Amy Sanders de Melo, Đan Lynh Phạm, Kendall Ross, Lindsey Cox, Aaron Jones and Behnaz Sohrabian. Photo of Đan Lynh Phạm’s work by Viet H. Nguyen. All other photos courtesy of the artists.
Artist Kendall Ross shows off a hand-knit sweater in her studio.
Guest Curator Alexa Goetzinger. Photo courtesy of Alexa Goetzinger.
