31.05.2009  Cell Memory. BABA. Works by Valya Roenko.

• CELL MEMORY by Valentyna Roenko Simpson. OMA Parker Gallery, May 4 – July 2, 2009. Artist Valentyna Roenko Simpson has created a fiber installation that addresses the potential that DNA holds for unlocking the secrets of human ancestry. Roenko Simpson’s fiber media portraits appear individualized, yet they are also universal, suggesting a link reaching back to the origins of human history. Themes of identity, ancestry, science and memory permeate her artistic vision. Cell Memory will be on view in the Parker Gallery May 4th through July 2, 2009. “Meet the Artist” Valentyna Roenko Simpson on Saturday, June 20th at 2:00 p.m. and hear her talk about the universal thread of humanity that lies within our DNA. “Meet the Artist” is free with museum admission and complimentary for members of Oceanside Museum of Art as a benefit of membership. “Each face is a symbol of mother eve” according to Roenko Simpson whose portraits are embroidered with wrinkles to symbolize the story that lies deep within the lines of a person’s face. Each portrait will be graphically designed by Roenko Simpson, hand felted with merino wool and machine embroidered. Roenko Simpson was born in the Volyn Region, Ukraine and earned a Masters of Art and Design from Lviv Academy of Decorative Art in 1978. She has experimented in many different fields of fiber art including silk tapestries and silk paintings. Since 2000, Roenko Simpson has been living and exhibiting in California discovering the amazing possibilities of quilt and felt art. More information at www.oma-online.org