Narciso Argüelles’ Disclosures: Concept/OK Residency

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Narciso Argülles,Testimage for the (Working Title) "Human Project,"
Image for on the scoreboard at OneOK Park for Tulsa Drillers. 

Unexpectedreinterpretations of familiar objects and icons characterize Narciso Argüelles’work.

Sinceso much of his work hinges on elements of revelation, I almost feel devious giving a preview of some of the pieces Argüelles developed for the Concept/OK: Art in Oklahoma exhibitionopening at the Hardesty Arts Center (AHHA) in December. However, these images cannot encapsulate thework, which will be further developed and experience differently inperson.

Narciso Argülles, Sketch for "The Trojan Piñata," Sculpture with wood, newspaper, tissue,candy, mexican and casters. Approx. 8 feet tall.

Argüellesgrew up in Tijuana, Mexico and across the border to San Ysidro, California. Hesaid, “I grew up in a neighborhood full of colors and handmade objects. Peoplewere inventive and industrious; they have to be to survive physically andmentally. This non-Western aesthetic became part of me and when I startedmaking art. I couldn’t help but draw from that life. The political and socialedge to my art work is also a product of who I am and where I grew up.”
He spenttime in Tulsa as he conceptualized this residency project, seeking outperspectives of locals and, specifically, local Hispanic residents. He foundcontinued concerns about our state’s immigration laws and recognition in thebroader community.

Narciso Argülles, "HeavenSpots", Site specific piece.
Laser on wall, at Hardesty Center. 2012.Dimensions variable. 

For Concept/OK, Argüelles will presentmultiple pieces.  An oversize andactivated piñata will anchor the appearance of the community studio where hewill work regularly throughout the exhibition.
Argüelleswill generate several temporary works to permeate the Brady Arts District andmore of Tulsa. For instance, a laser will tag the wall of the new AHHA buildingand will only by visible the night of the patron preview reception.  Also the weekend of the opening, Argüellesphotographs will appear on the billboard at the nearby ONEOK baseball stadium.
Expecteven more twists in Argüelles’ projects as he finalizes them.
Read more in thisArt Focus Oklahoma magazine article about Argüelles.  The Concept/OK: Art in Oklahoma exhibition opensDecember 16, 1-5 pm at the new Tulsa Arts and Humanities Council’s HardestyArts Center. See www.concept-ok.org for more information.