Holden Head's extraordinary ordinary objects * Oregon ArtsWatch

"It is that implied wink that grabs the viewer's attention and holds it, because each piece is subtly infused with a secret; a secret that Head doesn't share: It is up to the viewer to pry that information out of the piece. So, captivated, the viewer stands staring at Fragile, a ceramic sculpture, that looks like a nest of snakes built out of leather belts, which appear to writhe all over the wall."

"Head works in wood, ceramic, foam, fiber, fabric and images. There is even a long cascade of hair that looks like a horse mane and shakes when someone stands in front of it. Nearby a white textured object erupts toward the ceiling, Obsessive, (towel, resin, hardware): On closer inspection the viewer sees a bath towel that is frozen upside down."

"There is whimsy and an element of tongue in cheek, an inside joke, to the sculptures. Like all of the Surrealists, Head is asking hi[viewers to engage with conceptual meaning through unexpected material combinations and visual puzzles that challenge conventional interpretation.]"

Holden Head's installation Stay A While Longer at Linfield University's Miller Fine Arts Center Gallery showcases found-object sculptures infused with subtle secrets and surrealist influences. Each piece deliberately withholds explicit meaning, requiring viewers to actively interpret and uncover the artist's intentions. Head employs diverse materials including ceramic, wood, leather, fabric, and technology to create works that provoke curiosity and contemplation. Pieces like Fragile, Canal, and Obsessive combine unexpected objects—leather belts, conch shells, towels, and ceramic items—to create visual puzzles. The installation balances whimsy with conceptual depth, encouraging viewers to question what they observe and engage in personal discovery rather than accepting predetermined meanings.

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