‘Less is more’ in figurative exhibit

highly recommended in its run throughApril 2.

Features are largely lacking, but “less is more” in an exhibit of figurative oil paintings by Norman artist Corazon Watkins. Watkins boils her subjects down to a few minimal but telling details in her “Essence of Man” show at The Depot Gallery, 200 S Jones.

“Individuality” is the title of her 45-inchsquare oil of two females, who look alike, enough to be twins, since they’re both featureless. Floating swatches of color, on the bodies of the two subjects, and a solid blue background, add to the impact of “Individuality.”

Turquoise marks partly outline the deep red blouse and black hair of a woman, seen in profile, turned away, in “Enigma (Self-Portrait).” At 60-by 60-inches, “Enigma” is the largest work in the show by the longtime Norman artist and Philippine native.

Only one side is outlined, on a fiery red background, in her 50-by-20-inch oil of a “Charlaton,” wearing a tall top hat and long beard. Her “Charlatan” also wears a monocle, attached to the canvas, which seems to look back at us, reflecting our image.

Many of the show’s smaller works, defining “types” use mixed media or collage elements, to get our attention.

Dictionary definitions seem to flow from the red bow tie of a black-shirted “Authoritarian” and supply the background

‘Essence of Man’ show

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Exhibit runs through April 8, with a reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 8.

The Depot Gallery, 200 S Jones

307-9320 or www.pasnorman.org/ for a “Cerebral” man. A triangular hat and ornate blouse pattern make a woman look “Sanctimonious,” and diagrammatic markings appear on the face and neck of a “Feminist.” In another oil, a woman seems “Gregarious” because of the outline of her dynamic pose, swaying one direction and looking the other over her shoulder. A lavender background and blank face suggest the unknowable inner world of an “Introvert,” and a butterfly evokes that of the “Extrovert.”

Other small satirical works portray a “Loyalist” with an American flag attached to the canvas, and a “Chauvinist” looking down at pigs. “This exhibit represents people with different personalities — some negative and some positive,” the artist said.

Her show is recommended in its run through April 8, with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. April 8.