Laura Owens

The key to Laura Owens' practice lies in her fearless experimentation and eclectic approach to painting. Owens is known for her ability to masterfully integrate various diverging styles, techniques, and influences, this painting (Untitled 2002), being a prime example. It depicts a whimsical and surreal scene that combines elements of nature with a dreamlike quality. The composition features a variety of animals and plants, rendered in a playful manner. Often taking inspiration from children’s book illustrations, in the upper part of the painting, two white sheep stand on a grassy terrain dotted with trees and foliage. Above them, perched on tree branches, are two birds: one with striking blue and black plumage, and the other with a softer palette of yellow and orange. A butterfly flutters nearby, adding to the idyllic atmosphere.

An intriguing feature of the painting is its mirrored reflection in the lower part of the canvas, creating the illusion of a landscape reflected in water. Upon closer inspection, this reflection is not a perfect mirror image but an asynchronous doubling, forming an alternate landscape with different animals.

In both sections, a deer with elaborate, exaggerated antlers appears prominently, providing continuity. This deer serves as a unifying element, connecting the whimsical, dreamlike upper scene with its surreal, distorted reflection below. The mirrored landscape contrasts with the original, altering familiar elements and introducing new details.