Austin Uzor: Windows for Forgotten Landscapes
August 05 - September 18,2022
From Rockport Center for the Arts: "Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA) will host Windows for Forgotten Landscapes featuring the paintings of Austin Uzor, Aug. 5–Sept. 18. A public reception with the artist will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, from 5–7 p.m. to officially launch the show, which is free and open to the public. The paintings on display are available for collection. “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 is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drawing and Painting at the University of North Texas where he is 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. Rockport Center for the Arts is located at 401 S. Austin Street at the Baker Law Building, first level. Hours of operation are Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday and Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–4 p.m. Admission is always free. Visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519 for more information. About Rockport Center for the Arts Rockport Center for the Arts has moved temporarily to 401 S. Austin Street at the Baker Law Building, first floor, while awaiting the August 2022 completion of a new facility. Hours of operation for the showroom, galleries, and gift shop are Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon–4 p.m. Admission is always free. For general information, visit rockportartcenter.com, follow RCA on Facebook, or call (361) 729-5519. For information on event space, or to book an event, contact Venue Manager Carla Ligon at (361) 779-6801."
Reception: August 13, 2022 | 5-7 pm
Rockport Center for the Arts
638 E. Market St.
Rockport, TX 78382
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