Top Floor, June 2023 Oceanside Museum of Art

 by Patricia Frischer

CONNIE JENKINS, detail

CONNIE JENKINS: INTERTIDAL PAINTINGS FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS to AUGUST 13, 2023

CONNIE JENKINS

CONNIE JENKINS

These views of tide pools need close up attention.  There were inspired by visits over 13 years to 8 different Channel Islands by Connie Jenkins. I could not see any climate change difference, but I was enchanted with the art that looks super realistic from a distance, but close up breaks up into wonderfully satisfying abstract shapes with lovely soft colors.  

The artist is a volunteer with the Intertidal Monitoring Survey team, the park’s Natural Resources Specialist, and with Channel Island Restoration and says that the tide pools are both “fragile and impervious”. 

JANET TAYLOR PICKETT: LIGHT, COLOR, AND DESIRE to Sept 3, 2023 Curated By Dr. Jennifer Baahng

The curator of this show, Dr. Jennifer Baahng, uses three mighty artists to describe Janet Taylor Pickett’s paintings; Johannes Vermeer for light, Henri Matisse for color, Frida Kahlo for desire. But I found that Pickett’s work could stand alone as a joyous rendition of the black female form. If anything, I would compare the figures in this show to the Greek Goddess of love Aphrodite or the Roman one, Venus. They are celebrations. 

SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM OMA'S PERMANENT COLLECTION  to Sept 17

Tiny Canvas

Robert Matheny

There are just 12 works by nine Southern California artists for this show in the sweet little corner gallery next to the administration offices of OMA. They are unique and fun and might not ever fit into a general themed exhibition curated from the permanent collection. We know the museum hopes to expand into the fire station next door and at that time, they might have room to accept more donated works of art.  I choose one painting by Robert Matheny and the painted finger nails to give you a little taste.    

 

You can also see: Melissa Meier: Becoming Nature at Oceanside Museum of Art Picked RAW Peeled by Patricia Frischer

Oceanside Museum of Art
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 11:00am–5:00pm
Friday 11:00am–8:00pm