Published: March 15, 2008 10:49 pm            

OSU prof shows work in OKC

On a mission to show how consumerism impacts the American landscape, an Oklahoma State University professor traveled to all 50 states in one year documenting her experience through a series of oil paintings.

OSU Art Professor Liz Roth created “America 101,” which will open Friday at Untitled [ArtSpace] in Oklahoma City. The exhibit consists of 100 small-scale paintings, two from each state, portraying the natural beauty found across the country.

“I hope my work serves as a reminder to our better selves to make wise decisions that help conserve this country, not destroy it,” said Roth.

Part of the exhibit includes a billboard-sized image of a water bottle, representing the country’s demand for mass-produced, disposable goods.

Roth drove across the United States drawing and taking pictures of the landscapes to help her create the “America 101.” On one six-week trip, she visited 42 states.

“As I visited each state, I found wonderful landscape vistas and was overwhelmed with the sense that one day these areas will be chocked with landfills,” she said.

“America 101” is her largest project to date.

“It perfectly weaves together my identity as an artist, professor, environmentalist and traveler,” said Roth, who joined the OSU department of art in 2005.

The idea for “America 101” came in 2003 while she created “Pink and Green” in Japan. “Pink and Green” portrayed the relationship between humanity and nature, a concept she wanted to adapt to American audiences.

Roth’s installation is part of Art 365, a traveling exhibit that celebrates Oklahoma’s centennial by showcasing the work of Oklahoma artists. She was one of six artists chosen by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition to receive an inaugural $10,000 grant and the opportunity to work with a curator to create artwork for the exhibit.

“America 101” will run through April 26 at Untitled [ArtSpace] in Oklahoma City. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. The reception is free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. On May 29, the exhibit will travel to the Alexandre Hogue Gallery at The University of Tulsa.

        

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