OCC’s ‘Big Idea’ Exhibit Runs Sept. 22–Dec. 3

Orange Coast College’s Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion will host its biggest exhibition of the year this fall, featuring the bold work of two Los Angeles-based artists from Thursday, Sept. 22 until Saturday, Dec. 3.

“Big Idea: Abel Alejandre and Kiel Johnson” will be up at the Doyle Arts Pavilion for the remainder of the fall semester with artwork that tells stories via portraiture. Alejandre’s and Johnson’s work devote copious amounts of time to their process, and transform humble materials into remarkable forms through an obsession of masterful mark-making.

“[Alejandre’s] symbolic portraits reveal both the power and vulnerability of the common man,” says Doyle Arts Pavilion Director Steve Radosevich. “His work explores themes of identity conflict, expectation and personal evolution. His masterful use of line, reminiscent of classical etchings, accentuates the brave assertiveness of his subjects.”

Johnson — who will host a weeklong collaborative workshop with OCC art students from Sept. 26–29 — will present artwork that includes 3-dimensional cardboard sculptures and highly detailed portraits. “[Johnson] creates portraits of everyday objects and elaborate systems. His intricate depictions are compelling and gregarious, and deal with issues of simplicity, complexity and diversity,” Radosevich says.

The public is invited to attend the opening reception for “Big Idea” on Sept. 22 from 5–7:30 p.m. The Doyle Arts Pavilion is open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. For more information visit www.orangecoastcollege.edu/artspavilion