ALEX OWENS

I am a firm believer that art is not meant to comfort the viewer; art should be disturbing. It’s not always beautiful and it is not solely based on aesthetics. Art should raise questions and serve as a catalyst for crucial conversation.

My art serves two main purposes, one through process and the other through product. The process of my art includes intensive research, writing, performance, and then finally the creating. The purpose of this art-making process is to serve as a form of personal art therapy

and healing. I am a survivor of rape and use art to explore how trauma and post traumatic stress disorder affect my life, as well as the way I view and think about the world. The product that comes from my art-making then serves to have the audience question their own experiences and how they contribute to rape culture in their day to day lives. My research defines certain words used in the discussion of sexual assault and consent. It also explores the lasting effects of rape on victims and their personal relationships. My imagery stems from my personal experience and how my research makes me feel as I attempt to comprehend the complexities of rape. Personal anecdotes and poetry are often used not only in my process of understanding rape, but also in the final product as well.

    My work consists of performance and printmaking. My performative work often includes the use of bed sheets and a slinky, where I link past trauma to present day anxieties. I work in a variety of forms of printmaking, including intaglio, relief, serigraphy, and lithography. I primarily work in black and white, and if I do include color it’s subtle or highly symbolic. Imagery of baby’s breath is common throughout my work, as it is a personal symbol of strength.