dive deeper into the exhibition, “head in the clouds” at 1515 lincoln gallery

Artwork by Marc Barker and Josette Simon-Gestin

Marc Barker and Josette Simon-Gestin's two-person exhibition, "Head in the Clouds," at 1515 Lincoln Gallery showcases each artist's unique approach to their respective subject matter. Both draw inspiration from the physical world and realms of imagination.

Marc Barker, an Oklahoma City-based artist with a profound background in both science and art, explores the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes, translating his contemplations on nature, the environment, and human introspection into expansive compositions. Barker's work prompts a dialogue between the viewer and the vastness of external environments and internal vistas.

Marc's keen interest in the structure of clouds, from both visual and poetic perspectives, has led him to explore the many "cloudscapes" featured in his work. Reflecting on this series, he shared, "The language of clouds has many dialects and compositions, and for my current celestial clouds, it mainly consists of H2O. Other cloud forms include volcanic ash, dirt, organic debris, poison, and other bombastic scouring residues of war." His formal education in math, computer science, and limnology organically evolved into art out of his reverence for nature and his place within it. Inspired by cave exploration and surveying, he also has an ongoing series of subscape paintings featuring these underground vistas. He adds, "My current work further transforms my love of nature into oil drawings of clouds on highly textured canvas, paper, or panel, using contemporary techniques to achieve vintage results."

cloudEscape #06 by Marc Barker

Josette Simon-Gestin, hailing from Brittany, France, and a cherished part of Oklahoma City's vibrant art scene since her arrival in 1987, offers a lively contrast with her dynamic figures and vivid backdrops. Drawing inspiration from her travels and life's rich tapestry, Simon-Gestin's work celebrates movement, color, and the complexity of the world. Her recent experiences in Shanghai's bustling markets breathe life into her paintings, inviting viewers into a world where every detail tells a story.

Josette, a world traveler, collects visual stimuli for her paintings during her journeys, from the colors and patterns found in markets to the vibrant communities she encounters. Having lived in many places, her work evolves with each location she has visited. Describing her current series, she said, "This series began developing when I rediscovered Shanghai after being confined for two years in France. The manicured parks and their vivid colors inspired me. As I strolled in Shanghai, I found markets with a profusion of fabrics. The colorful scarves hanging in the stalls led me to think about how I could use them in my paintings. Given my passion for collage, I glued the scarves onto my canvas, initiating a reflection on my relationship with Chinese culture. The painting overlaps the fabric, making it difficult to discern what is my work and what belongs to Chinese design."

Flowers of Shanghai #04 by Josette Simon-Gestin

This exhibition celebrates nature through the eyes of two very different artists, each with a profound sensitivity to the world around them, striving to infuse daily life inspirations into their work. Marc and Josette have been long-time friends and professional colleagues. Seeing them together in one show fittingly encapsulates what "Head in the Clouds" represents. We are honored to host them here at the gallery. Explore the exhibition from today through June 1st, 2024. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.

We are also thrilled to announce that our new food concept, 1515 Bistro, is now open to the public. Join us Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, for tasty bites, wine, and coffee.