Windows for Forgotten Landscapes
Work by Austin Uzor
“Uzor titled this show Windows for Forgotten Landscapes, and the size of the work really makes these paintings into portals peeking into otherworldly spaces of memory and moment,” said Elena Rodriguez, curator of exhibitions for Rockport Center for the Arts. “Memory comes not only from the film-faded figures but also the gesture of the artist’s hand.”
Featured in the RCA Main Gallery, Windows for Forgotten Landscapes showcases themes of religion, migration and being displaced, as Uzor navigates the complex reality of regularly being in a state of flux, inspired by his move to the United States in 2016.
“These paintings specifically translate memories of personal iconographic moments and spaces through the years, both good and bad, using windows as symbolic portals into old and new worlds,” said Uzor. “Sometimes, holding on to the past is all that there is. This is an attempt to compress specific memories into landscapes using ambiguity and abstraction as tools to express liminality.”
Born in Imo State, located eastern part of Nigeria, Uzor explores the world of the unknown by means of psychological spaces, feelings, and alternate realities in search of existential truths. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2013 where he majored in drawing and painting. Starting a studio practice shortly thereafter, he soon gained local and international recognition, laying the groundwork for his first ever solo show in 2016 titled “Visitors” at the Rele Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria. He recently completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drawing and Painting at the University of North Texas where he was also a Teaching Assistant and Fellow. The subject of several articles, Uzor has exhibited locally and internationally with his work appearing in private collections throughout Africa, Europe and the United States.
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Artist’s Statement This body of work addresses recurring imageries of windows and landscapes in my work. Through themes of religion and migration I am using intersectionality and duality as vehicles to navigate the complex reality of regularly being in a state of flux. These paintings specifically translate memories of personal iconographic moments and spaces through the years, both good and bad using windows as symbolic portals into old and new worlds. Sometimes holding on to the past is all that there is. This is an attempt to compress specific memories into landscapes using ambiguity and abstraction as tools to express liminality .
About the Artist Born in the eastern part of Nigeria in the year 1991 Austin Uzor hails from Imo state. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2013 from the University of Nigeria Nsukka where he majored in drawing and painting. Shortly after graduation he kickstarted a studio practice which led to local and international recognition that set the groundwork for his first ever solo show in 2016 titled “Visitors” at the Rele gallery Lagos, Nigeria. Uzor, a skilled draftsman and experienced painter, explores the world of the unknown by means of psychological spaces, feelings, and alternate realities in search of existential truths. He moved to the US in 2016 and this move is now the subject of his most current body of work and narrative, focusing on the traumas of being displaced. He recently completed a Masters degree in Drawing and Painting from the University of North Texas, Denton where he was also a Teaching Fellow, teaching drawing and painting at the university. Uzor is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor teaching painting at Alfred University New York. Uzor has exhibited locally and internationally and as well had his works privately collected around Europe, Africa and the United States while being published frequently.
EXHIBITION CATALOG
To purchase work in the catalog please call Rockport Center for the Arts at (361) 729-5519.
GALLERY TALKS
Coming August 16