In the upcoming exhibition at 1515 Lincoln Gallery, Abstract Realities: A Showcase of Larry Hefner's Newest Work, Oklahoma artist Larry Hefner will showcase his 2023 series of abstract artworks. In this latest series of works, Larry encompasses lively geometries and ethereal expressions of color to transport visitors to a space of boundless imagination.
The exhibition marks a significant departure from Larry’s abstract illusionist artworks, which he has focused on for the last 30 years. In his prior exploration of abstract illusionism, Larry created layered acrylic artworks on canvas with organic shapes and striking shadows. “This new series is pure abstraction. I’m having a lot of fun with fluid color changes, textures, and mixed media,” explains Larry. With the Abstract Realities series, he is integrating a variety of new materials into the creative journey, from panel canvases and fabrics to new technologies such as laser cutting. In the past, Larry produced patterns on canvas with paper stencils and paint. Larry took advantage of the new possibilities when a laser cutting machine was introduced to the University of Central Oklahoma. “I use the laser engraver to make plexiglass stencils for shapes and background patterns. There are no limits to what I can do with new technologies like plexiglass stencils, from lace details to photographic elements, so I look forward to investigating it more. No holds barred!” says Larry.
With the multimedia approach of his new series, Larry is leaning further into the spontaneous, unbridled freedom of abstract painting. “My artwork has followed a natural, focused evolution through many different series. The consistent theme for the past few years was illusionist-style shadowed shapes, which I found conceptually compelling but tedious to create. Delving deeper into abstraction has revitalized my creative inspiration,” says Larry. He hopes the new artworks in the Abstract Realities exhibition will invigorate audiences as they have invigorated him. “I would like for people to be visually stimulated and excited about a way of art they are unfamiliar with. It is a scary thing, breaking that surface, whether it is a piece of sculpture or a fresh canvas, but once you begin making the artwork, you are on a journey,” says Larry.
In Abstract Realities: A Showcase of Larry Hefner's Newest Work, Larry Hefner will immerse visitors in an ethos of wonder and out-of-the-box thinking, providing enthusiasts and collectors alike with the opportunity to witness a compelling new foray from the multi-talented Oklahoma artist. The exclusive show opens at 1515 Lincoln Gallery with an opening on Thursday, February 1st at 5:00 pm and will run through March 9th, 2024.
ABOUT LARRY HEFNER
Larry is a multidisciplinary fine artist based in Oklahoma City. He primarily works in acrylic painting on canvas, but his creative mediums have encompassed printmaking, mixed media, commercial photography, and graphic design.
Larry approaches his artwork with creative problem-solving from his graphic design and education background. He received his bachelor's and master of fine arts degrees from the University of Oklahoma and has taught art and design at universities across the United States. Larry is a Professor Emeritus of Design at the University of Central Oklahoma. Alongside teaching, Larry has worked as a graphic designer and photographer with his studio, The Hefner Group, in Oklahoma City for many years.
The exhibition marks a significant departure from Larry’s abstract illusionist artworks, which he has focused on for the last 30 years. In his prior explorations, Larry created layered acrylic artworks on canvas with organic shapes and striking shadows. “This new series is pure abstraction. I’m having a lot of fun with fluid color changes, textures, and mixed media,” explains Larry. In the Abstract Realities series, Larry integrates various new materials into the creative journey, from panel canvases and fabrics to new technologies such as laser cutting.
Larry is leaning further into the spontaneous, unbridled freedom of abstract painting. “My artwork has followed a natural, focused evolution through many different series. Delving deeper into abstraction has revitalized my creative inspiration,” says Larry. He hopes the new artworks in the Abstract Realities exhibition will invigorate audiences as they have invigorated him. “I would like for people to be visually stimulated and excited about a way of art with which they are unfamiliar. It is a scary thing, breaking that surface, whether it is a piece of sculpture or a fresh canvas, but once you begin making the artwork, you are on a journey.”
