Step Into Ving Simpson’s World of Symbolic Forms and Universal Mysteries in ‘Inside Out’

Oceanside Museum of Art is thrilled to announce a visionary new exhibition, Ving Simpson: Inside Out, showcasing the work of acclaimed mixed media artist Ving Simpson.

This multidimensional retrospective explores Simpson’s quest to comprehend the sublime mysteries of reality through the lens of symbolism and abstraction.

Exploring the Depths—The Essence of Ving Simpson: Inside Out

This exhibition showcases nearly three decades of works created at Simpson’s home studio in Oceanside from 1994 to 2023.

You’ll be immersed in a vibrant fusion of symbolic forms and abstract thought, all reflective of shared universal mysteries and the artist’s deep contemplation of them.

The centerpiece is a meticulous recreation of the shelves from Simpson’s home studio in Oceanside, displaying an eclectic collection of small, emblematic sculptures.

These works, minimal yet profound, are composed of diverse materials like silver, bronze, wood, and more, presenting a rich tapestry of textures and forms.

Additionally, select paintings, including Simpson’s first canvas work, “Dancing Nuns” (1994), will be on display. These pieces not only showcase his unique perceptions of reality but also serve as a testimony to his evolution as an artist.

A striking feature is a series of large banners in the museum’s Grand Stairwell, an artistic exploration of water in its various states—liquid, gas, and solid.

Ving Simpson has been a visionary member of Oceanside’s art scene for decades, blending art history, science, and personal mythology in his works.

As Simpson puts it, “The human path is one of symbols and abstractions. Lacking the facility to fathom the intricacies and mathematics of modern cosmology, I choose to explore the order of the universe using a few simple tools and my intuition.”

See you there!

Ving Simpson: Inside Out will be on display at the museum from February 17 to May 12, 2024.

For more information on the Oceanside Museum of Art, visit here.

See you there, San Diego!