There’s no shortage of creative talent in Oklahoma, whether it’s streaking from the end of a paintbrush, spraying out of a can, wailing from an electric guitar, or manifesting itself in a fresh, mind-blowing way that strains the limits of traditional description. Momentum — an art show supporting experimental riffing on tradition — descends upon Oklahoma City 8-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Farmer’s Public Market, hoping to foster creativity and cultivate the budding careers of Oklahoma’s newest artists. Eighty-five of them, all age 30 and younger, have been selected by guest curators from hundreds of submissions from across the state.
Art will run the gamut from traditional to nontraditional media, film and performance. It’s a complete sensory buffet across three floors of the Market. Both nights will be set to live music; interactive art installations will place guests into the role of creators themselves; and food trucks, a tea tasting, and a cash bar will dispense plenty of art-appreciation fuel.
Momentum: Downtempo is Friday night. The vibe will be a bit chill, and the music ought to reflect it with live tunes from John Calvin Abney, The Daddyo’s and Scott AF. Saturday night is Momentum: Full Speed, with Bowlsey and Depth & Current setting a more raucous tone. Downstairs bands will be provided by Rock and Roll Camp for Girls.
Each year, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) selects three up-and-coming creative minds as Spotlight artists. This year, Randall Barnes, Jenna Bryan and Eric Piper earned the distinction. Each received $2,000 and three months of guidance from guest curators to develop inventive installations. Barnes, with a history in graffiti removal, will play on the concept by “buffing” an alleyway while it’s continually being retagged. Barnes will allow visitors to customize their own Japanese-flavored avatars from paper dolls. Piper will display artifacts from an innovative community project.
Momentum has been a unique event on Oklahoma’s art calendar since 2002. Patently outside the box, it’d be difficult to find a show more welcoming to unorthodox voices and visions. Momentum has served as a springboard for many established Oklahoma artists, and this weekend is a chance to witness the genesis of the new guard.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To grab yours, visit momentumoklahoma.org, call (405) 879-2400, or drop by Blue 7, The Paramount, Guestroom Records (OKC and Norman), or Café Evoke. The gallery will be free to the public March 8-9.
