Join us Second Friday for a remarkable exhibition celebrating cultural diversity.
Confluence is a group exhibition that celebrates the multiplicity of cultures and the artistic expression of five local artists. Each artist introduces a unique cultural narrative representing Mexican, Italian, Pakistani, Potawatomi Nation, and Sac and Fox Nation heritage. The artists invite you to indulge in diverse stories that foster an appreciation for connection through ethnic heterogeneity. By immersing their cultures in their art, the artists intend to share and expand upon the sense of oneness. They intend to do this by showing off the uniqueness of their individual worlds.
Artist Statements:
Zoeen W. Janjua
Pakistani digital artist Zoeen W. Janjua experienced in a vide array of traditional and digital artist. She most recently retired from her tenure as a concept artist with the powerhouse behind the launch of the Pakistani drama network “Green.”
After successfully acquiring her degree in Computer Arts (major Animation) and gaining base level experience of the workflow in the local drama and game industry, the artist has now uprooted her life and relocated to the state. Here she intends to pursue her masters, all the while broadening her scope as a digital artist.
Though a young journey for now, the artist intends to enhance her skills in a plethora of medium, themes and styles. Even still, the artist’s work has a constant undertone of “self.” In keeping with this, the artist aspires to grow her aesthetic into a unique display of impressionable work.
Nicole Emmons
Nicole Emmons is a Citizen Potawatomi Nation filmmaker and mixed media/installation artist specializing in stop motion animation from Oklahoma City,Oklahoma. She received her MFA in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of the Arts School of Film and Video as a Jacob K. Javits Fellow, and her Bachelors in Animation and Film from Columbia College Chicago. Her experimental animation short films “The Wing Eater,” and “Domesti City, OK” have screened in film festivals across the U.S., as well as internationally. Her animation and set lighting work can be seen on Netflix, Nickelodeon, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other formats in series, short films, music videos, feature films, and commercials. Most recently youcan see her work on the Obama’s Higher Ground Productions / Netflix children’s series, “Waffles and Mochi.”
Lety Rios
Lety Rios resides in Oklahoma City with her large family, channeling her artistic talent into paintings and drawings. Her creations delve into the rich tapestry of her Mexican culture, challenging the conventional boundaries between memory and experience. Rather than narrating a story or crafting metaphors, Lety's work aims to represent the essence of her cultural heritage authentically. Through her paintings, she explores the nuanced interplay of portrayals and memories. Family is not just a subject for her art but an integral part of her daily artistic practice, fostering personal continuity and the revival of traditions across generations.
Kai Gregory
Hailing from Shawnee, Oklahoma, Kai Gregory of the Sac and Fox Nation discovered her artistic passion at Northwest Classen High School. Mentored at ARTSPACE, she found her niche in printmaking.
Now a Studio Arts major at the University of Central Oklahoma, Kai continues to explore printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts.
Kai weaves tradition and innovation, drawing from her cultural roots, and invites viewers on a journey anchored by their indigenous heritage.
AnnaVittoria Pickett
AnnaVittoria Pickett is an artist and educator passionate about printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. She resides in Midwest City and works from her quaint home studio. With a passion for the arts, AnnaVittoria pursued her academic journey, earning a Bachelor's degree in Printmaking from the University of North Texas and a Master's degree in Studio Art from the University of Oklahoma.
Her dedication to the arts extends beyond her own creative endeavors. Since 2019, she has taken on the role of Director of Education at ARTSPACE at Untitled in Oklahoma City, OK. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in fostering artistic development within the community, designing enriching educational programs, and helping aspiring artists to explore their creative potential.
As a proud individual of mixed heritage, AnnaVittoria Pickett finds importance in her Italian roots. Embracing this aspect of her identity, she has created a body of work that delves into her cultural heritage and celebrates her Italian ancestry.