Exhibition runs through November 9, 2001
Alex Mitchell: Pictograms
Entrance foyer at 1945 Broadway, in downtown Oakland
Presented by the Oakland Museum of California Professional Services division

Alex Mitchell is in search of artistic imperfection. Inspired by the uninhibited approach of children in creating art, Mitchell uses crayon, wax, colored ink, and linoleum-block stamps to compose whimsical compositions to which the audience can easily relate. Her droll vignettes often reflect her travel experiences, childhood memories, and fascination with the origins of language.

Her resolve to respect the purity and potency of her gestures is simultaneously the heart of her work and the representation of the on-going struggle she faces as an artist. In describing the creative process, Mitchell explains, "I think my way of trying to be as spontaneous and pure as I can be – like a kid – is to have several panels in front of me at one time (and) to use crayon. I actually use my left hand to write, to write in a way that isn’t perfect. I always make a joke that when I get too good with my left hand, I’ll use my toes or a stick or something." For Mitchell, the spontaneity of her approach is liberating as she "finds her voice" in communicating without words.

Sponsored by Songy Partners and CAC Real Estate Management Company, Inc. in association with the Oakland Museum of California Professional Services division.