Biting The Apple Goes Plush

by Shannon Moham

This Friday and Saturday, the IAO Gallery will celebrate its 22^nd year of the Biting the Apple provocative art and performance event.  I sat down with IAO Gallery executive director Kendall Brown to find out more about the event and its 22 year evolution.

Okc.net: What is the whole idea behind Biting the Apple?

Kendall: Biting the Apple is an annual provocative art show and the idea is to provide a venue for artists and artwork who wouldn’t be able to exhibit in Oklahoma during other times of the year. At least once a year, patrons will be able to experience this kind of artwork.

Okc.net: What makes this year’s show different than previous years?

Kendall: There’s been a shift in some of the artwork. The show became known for a specific type of artwork, but this year there will also be artwork with subject matter such as sexual assault and the LGBT community. So we have a wide range of artwork this year which I think is great. We will also have all new performers, new dancers, and a new DJ. And the greatest thing about the show is that its influenced by who is behind the scenes at the time. There are brand new jurors and a new executive director. The show is in its 22 year but it’s a new show every year.

Okc.net: What other types of artwork will be included?

Kendall: Lots of visual art, painting, photography, 3D art. There will also be performances, music, and this will be our first year having video art.

Okc.net: What kind of performances will there be?

Kendall: Burlesque dancers, hair models by two different salons, Balthazar, Punish Pedal, Jak’kay Monroe, Rough Life Lingerie, a puppet artist named Brother CLit, and Toby Dai is doing an installation/performance piece.

Okc.net: What has been the most challenging thing about putting this show together?

Kendall: Getting people to let go of preconceived notions, whether good or bad. There are people who haven’t been to the show in 5 or 10 years and it’s been challenging showing them that the show has grown and changed. And also, helping people see that changes are good. It’s good to not be the same show over and over. A show like this is very much needed in Oklahoma.

Speaking of things that are needed in Oklahoma…
“Untitled” by Garrett Young
Ink
18” x 24” $300

Okc.net: What is your favorite part of putting this event together?

Kendall: Getting to interact with artists that I didn’t know existed. I thought I had  come across every exhibiting artist in Oklahoma and this show has proved me wrong.

Biting the Apple will be this Friday and Saturday from 7pm-midnight at the IAO Gallery. Tickets are $25. Check their Facebook Event Page for up-to-date details.

Hope to see you there. And don’t forget to dress up, if you’re so inclined.

“The Bear” by Laura Hartley
Gelatin Silver Photograph, printed on archival, acid-balanced fiber paper
11” x 14” $200

“Don’t!” by Allan Cich
Digital Photography
16” x 20” $1200