Fragments, shapes, and figures are woven into narratives that are graphic and playful, socially and politically charged in the dynamic work of Jordan Grace Owens, Allison Coleman, and Tina Marcus in Durham Art Guilds January Exhibition in the Truist Gallery titled Material Differences: Fragments, Forms, Realities.

The work of these artists brings together three artists who, despite their distinct approaches to materials, converge in their dedication to the figurative form. Through their individual practices, they delve into the essence of humanity, each employing unique materials and techniques to capture the essence of the human experience. 

Jordan Grace Owens uses paint, sewn canvas, and wooden constructions to explore a fluidity of physical form and a complexity of maternal autonomy.

Allison Coleman creates dreamlike worlds with oil paint, exploring the narrative through pigment and texture.  Thin washes of paint signify the deterioration of human memory and the passage of time and bold strokes explore ideas of permanence and urgency.

And in Tina Marcus’ work she incorporates the ordinary material of cardboard paper in her figurative sculptures to express soul-stirring narratives of ambiguity, and relationships between resilience and vulnerability. 

Material Differences: Fragments, Forms, Realities opens in the Truist gallery Friday, January 19, 2024.