What's the Story? Peggy Preheim at the Philbrook Museum

Kid Napping, drawing by Peggy Preheim
Kid Napping, (pencil on paper, 14 x 11 inches) 2003 by Peggy Preheim. Collection of John Carhart Ebeling.

When we look at figurative art, we inevitably place ourselves inside the narrative, whether consciously or subconsciously. Peggy Preheim's work presents us with a complex set of visual information, but no clear story lines. As viewers, we create personal narratives through which we can interpret her work. On Thursday Wednesday July 8, 2009, I will be leading a discussion about symbolism and implied narrative in the work of Peggy Preheim at the Philbrook Museum. The talk starts at noon in the Helmerich Gallery. Little Black Book, a comprehensive collection of Peggy Preheim's drawings, sculptures, and photographs, is on display at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa through July 26. Here's a map.

I highly recommend the catalog that accompanies this show. Not only is it a beautifully made book, it contains insightful interpretations of Preheim's work and an "Object Map" of some of the artist's sources.

This post is part of NaBloPoMo for July 2009.