Whitney Batres is a painter and curator based in Oklahoma City. She gained a B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin and has gained recognition through exhibitions and publications throughout the United States. Batres’ practice is a form of escapism, a major theme she began exploring in the pandemic. Taking inspiration from traditional fiber art practices and Bauhaus design, Batres creates vibrant artwork that utilizes shape and color to evoke emotion. Basic geometric forms are abstracted to create visually interesting shapes and patterns, sometimes resembling identifiable household objects. They are layered in a way that creates separate, two-dimensional “rooms,” as if these shapes live in an imaginary space that can be visited and looked in upon by the viewer as desired. These spaces are worlds entirely unaffected by reality and provide a moment of levity and playfulness for the world-weary.

Toybox is on display until Saturday, December 28 in Gallery III of the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center, at 3024 Paseo.

Holiday hours: The Paseo Arts & Creativity Center will be closed from December 23 through December 27. Open on Saturday, December 21 and Saturday, December 28 , 12-5pm at 3024 Paseo.