Across Spaces Art Exhibition Features Two Oklahoma Artists
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Exhibit featuring paper and fiber art pieces opening on February 4.
January 30, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – JANUARY 30, 2025 – A new art exhibition, Across Spaces, featuring the works of Irmgard Geul and Farooq Karim opens in the Tulsa World | Lorton Family Gallery at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Tuesday, February 4. A free artist reception, open to the public, will be held Thursday, February 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Attendees will be able to meet Geul and Karim to learn about their pieces.
Across Spaces explores the profound significant of the spaces that exists between moments, places, identities, and transitions. These in-between spaces are rich with potential as they offer a pause and chance for reflection and transformation. The artists hope the exhibition inspires viewers to explore the energy and intention that thrive in these transitional spaces.
"The ongoing collaboration between Geul and Karim began back in 2021 and continues to evolve in their individual and joint practices," says Mattie Barlow, Oklahoma Hall of Fame Associate Director of Archives & Curatorial Projects and curator for this exhibit. "The pieces in Across Spaces reflect the artists' exploration and interpretation of the power of the in-between. The exhibition also showcases both artists' love of working with paper and fiber."
Irmgard Geul, a Netherlands-born artist based in Pauls Valley, combines hand-stitched embroidery with acrylic painted paper, creating landscapes that reflect her Oklahoma surroundings. Her work, influenced by nature and her mother's career in haute couture, evokes the tactile, sensory experience of the natural world. Her contemporary interpretations of trees, flowers, and environments speak to the often-overlooked richness found in the in-between moments of life.
Farooq Karim, a Norman-based artist, uses intricately cut and glued paper to create stunning flower sculptures. His work, inspired by personal growth and healing, explores beauty and transformation. Starting with the creation of individual flowers from old maps, magazines, and letters, his art captures the essence of nature's most vibrant moments. Karim's paper flowers symbolize hope and beauty that arise from moments of pause and reflection.
Across Spaces will be on display through Saturday, April 26. The exhibit is partially funded by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. To learn more about this and other exhibits at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, visit https://www.oklahomahof.com/museum/exhibits.
Photos of Geul's and Karim's artwork can be accessed here.
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
