Omar Rashan, also known as O the Creator, is an interdisciplinary mixed media artist originally from Evansville and residing in Indianapolis. This month at the Harrison Center, Omar presents his show Elevated Culture. Through intuitive and intentional mark-making, he explores the depth of the human experience. His works tell compelling stories from joy, pain, trauma, and celebration. Omar’s work often investigates the topic of childhood trauma through rich texture and colors on canvas and wood. Aimed to empower Urban youth who face hardships daily, his work spreads positivity while acknowledging more challenging realities. For Omar, art is about the therapeutic and healing process. He uses the healing and restoration aspect of art to empower people in his life and anyone interacting with his work.

Omar came from a long line of makers and grew up watching his mom and aunt make pottery. He gets his inspiration from family, nature, and the life around him. Although Omar Studied Design in college and worked as a graphic designer, his art practice is expansive. Omar’s works range way beyond one medium. His experimental approach ranges from painting, drawing, design to photography. In his show Elevated Culture, he brings a diverse breadth of work. He wants people to walk away from this show knowing that there is no limit to creativity. He is always interested in creating a new and engaging experience for interacting with his work. With Elevated Culture, he utilizes augmented reality activated through people’s phones to make the experience interactive.

Aura. Augmented Reality Mixed Media on Canvas. 30 x 40".

The piece “Aura” is a significant piece for Omar as it reminds him of his current path in his life. There is a deep ambition and desire to create even in the “valleys in my life” Always aimed at a destination, art keeps him energized and inspired.

This body of work has been a moving and spiritual experience for Omar, as he created these works with such depth and rich stories. With this collection of work, he leaned into the meditative and spiritual aspects of his art experience. He learned that a new creative flow was sparked with each piece that influenced his overall process and new and exciting discoveries.

We are excited to have Omar Rashan as the exhibiting artist for March in the Speck Gallery. Stop by to be inspired and moved by Omar’s astounding collection. Elevated Culture will be on display for the month of March. You can also check out the online gallery for more of his work.