HERE'S THE STORY:
Abi Ogle uses bodily materials such as human hair and grapefruit membranes to diffuse grief and explore hope, memory, and loss. Often characterized by the familiar-made-strange, her practice is built on the belief that art makes us more human, that materials matter, and that if we take the time to listen to the stories of others, they change us.
Each exploration is the result of numerous hours of research, embedded in an art historical conversation, and brought to life through meticulous mark-making. The meditative nature of these pieces invites the viewer and the maker alike to become visually and physically immersed in an experience. The work acts as a catalyst for people to see these materials in such a way that they are able to relate their own experience to something that feels initially beautiful and increasingly foreign.
At its core, her intent is to thoughtfully engage and explore through unexpected materials as a lifelong process. She is deeply curious and dedicated to bringing attention to the mundane or easily ignored. Through unexpectedly beautiful materials she is able to create conversations rooted in lament that holds hope and loss in tension.
Upon receiving her Bachelor of Arts in 2018 from Covenant College, Abi was invited to several artist residencies including the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Vermont Studio Center, and Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts. During her time there, she created work that was rooted in the hope for redemption, echoes of memory, and the sublime. Her recent solo exhibitions include The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock, TX, the Harrison Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Lone Star College in Houston, Texas. She has also exhibited at Artfields, in Lake City, South Carolina, Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA, and The Farmington Museum in Farmington, New Mexico. In 2023 Abi received her M.F.A. in Craft / Material Studies with a focus in fiber at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a fellowship at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. She now lives and works in Houston, Texas.
HERE'S THE INSTAGRAM:
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HERE'S WHAT’S NEXT:
2024 MOFSA Spiritual Art Grant Recipient, Exhibition dates pending
The Wendy Wagner Foundation Fall Trio Grant Recipient
Photo by Abigail Grey, see more of her work here
