Stephanie Barenz: Overture Galleries artist explores ‘belonging’

We like to consider Overture a “home away from home” for each of our beloved patrons. That sentiment carries over into our Gallery I winter exhibit “Un/Inhabited,” in which artists Stacey Steinberg and Stephanie Barenz immediately draw you into a visual discourse on belonging. With inspiration from poet David Whyte's statement, “There is no house like the house of belonging,” Barenz weaves a narrative through landscapes that reflect her diverse experiences and perceptions of home. 

Barenz's artistic technique is multifaceted, seamlessly blending printmaking, collage, painting and digital drawing. This fusion enables her to create pieces that transcend mere depiction, capturing emotions, memories and connections and walking the line of hyperrealism through photos, hand-drawn elements and details.  

Reflecting on her creative journey, Barenz notes, "The water and woods depicted in this collection are from places that have shifted my understanding of home—from Shanghai and Southeast Asia to Lake Mendota itself."

Delving deeper into her process, Barenz elaborates on her initial stages: "I start with the process of stain painting... creating an abstract background that then I work off of."  

With a foundation rooted in printmaking, she intricately reimagines and repurposes imagery, layering her experiences onto canvas. This methodical yet exploratory approach imbues her artworks with a dynamic interplay of familiarity and abstraction. Influenced by artists like Hiroshi Yoshida and Kawase Hasui, she incorporates motifs such as reflections in still waters and nature's enduring presence amidst change, encouraging viewers to contemplate connections to place and reflection. 

The exhibition's title, "Un/Inhabited," joins her with Steinberg's hauntingly beautiful remnants of houses and captures the essence of Barenz's thematic exploration. While her pieces often depict uninhabited landscapes, they radiate a profound sense of belonging and connection.  

Barenz explains, "These places stood out to me because they shared my vision of my home regardless of location."  

This feeling of home resonates deeply, especially in works like her Shanghai-inspired piece, “A Walk With Water” where the absence of human figures amplifies the emotional resonance of the setting.

What sets Barenz apart is her genuine and insightful engagement with her craft. Rather than relying solely on artistic techniques, she embeds personal reflections and experiences into each piece. Discussing her inspirations, she adeptly connects without veering into overt sentimentality, fostering a space for viewers to engage introspectively with her work. 

Barenz's exhibition serves as a poignant exploration of belonging through art. While Barenz's paintings radiate tranquility, she acknowledges the complexities that shape her artistic process, stating, "Creating calmness amid internal chaos is a deliberate act of grounding for me." 

This insight adds authenticity to her exhibition, inviting viewers into an exploration of art as both a sanctuary and a reflection of personal growth. As you visit Gallery I, allow Barenz's artworks to guide you, encouraging a deeper understanding of belonging, place and personal connection. 

Overture Galleries are free and open to the public whenever the building is open. Learn more about Barenz and keep up with her new work at stephaniebarenz.com.  

RETURN TO BLOG INDEX