Philip von Zweck's Guest Blog
posted November 7, 2009 in news | tags: philip von zweck, studio chicago | no comments
threewalls SOLO Artist, Philip von Zweck, is a guest blogger for Studio Chicago. Check out his post, Introductory thoughts on the studio.
Envisioning One's Living Conditions: Tour of Anthony Elm's collections
posted November 7, 2009 in events | tags: anthony elms, collections, public collectors | no comments
As a part of In Search of the Mundane, we explored Anthony's Elm's Collection of Artist and Exhibition Ephemera last Sunday afternoon. Anthony explained how his collection came to be and his process of maintaining it, as well as how it has expanded over time. The collection is housed mostly in stacks of archival boxes, organized by name and type of media. Some boxes contain material from only one artist, and others are simply labeled "ephemera". Along with the countless brochures, postcards, cd's, letters, invites, posters and everything else that Anthony allowed the attendees to browse, he also pulled a few selections from his Artist's Books collection.
Don't miss Wine and Time: Lecture and Tasting with David Tamarkin tomorrow at
7 PM!
The Studio Chicago
posted November 6, 2009 in news, reviews | tags: the_studio_chicago; sullivan_galleries; residency | no comments
Follow THE STUDIO CHICAGO!
Studio Chicago is a yearlong collaborative project that focuses on the artist’s studio. Through exhibitions, talks, publications, tours, and research, participating organizations will celebrate the working artist and reveal their sites of creative production from historical and contemporary perspectives. With concepts ranging from the “studio as muse,” “virtual studios,” “street as
studio,” and “gallery as studio,” Studio Chicago invites participation from artists and the art-curious, beginning with Chicago Artists Month in October 2009.
Core Studio Chicago partners include: Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Columbia College Chicago, Gallery 400, Hyde Park Art Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and threewalls.
threewalls will be participating in the program through linking residents to The Studio through The Studio Chicago weblog, publications like Artists Run Chicago Digest, the summer symposium and summer residents. This summer's residents, TBA, will be working at Sullivan Galleries from July 5th to September 6th.
Read TIME OUT Chicago's Blog here.
5 Questions for Randall Szott and InCUBATE
posted October 31, 2009 in events | no comments
Halfway through its duration, we asked the organizers of "In Search of the Mundane" to answer a few questions about the show and their other projects. Don't miss the exhibition's next event, "Envisioning One's Living Conditions: Tour of Anthony Elm's Artist and Exhibition Ephemera" tomorrow, November 1st, at 2pm.
“In Search of the Mundane” consists of a series of events on the art of living. There’s a number of activities that could have been included. How did you decide on the programming for the show?
InCUBATE: In general, the programming was chosen based on all of shared interests. We had done some of the activities together before and enjoyed (team trivia, boozy brunches), and others were activities one or more of us had always wanted (the food tour of Maxwell Street Market, the wine tasting). The Public Culture Lectures are part of a regular series of events we have co-organized in the past and which are usually hosted at the Orientation Center in Logan Square. The opportunity to base a series of events from threewalls has allowed us to share these things with a greater number of people, many of whom we weren't previously in contact with.
The thematic titles for each event are based in another shared interest of ours, Michel de Certau's book The Practice of Everyday Life. The titles are poached from the subheadings of sections within the book that have been particularly thought-provoking to us.
RS: Programming is always a balance among what you'd like to do and what is actually feasible due to budget and the availability and willingness of others to participate. In other words the decisions were highly pragmatic (in the most basic sense of the term).
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Maxwell Street Market Tour with Robert Gardner
posted October 24, 2009 in events | tags: maxwell street market, robert gardner | no comments
Last Sunday, In Search of the Mundane took us to Maxwell Street Market, where Robert Gardner gave a comprehensive culinary tour. Robert led the group through the market, stopping at his favorite stands and explaining each vendor’s specialties. While unraveling the mystery behind menu items for the non Spanish speaking attendees, he recommended his favorite dishes, some of which are only available in Chicago at Maxwell Street Market. Robert noted the best places at the market to get familiar staples, such as tortas and fresh churros, as well as where to find top fare for the more adventurous eater, such as buche, a dish made of pork stomach.
Everyone agreed that Mexican Coke-a-cola, served in glass bottles at the market, was way better than corn-syrupy American Coke. Mexican Coke is made from raw cane sugar, which makes all the difference!
NEW KNOWLEDGE: Team Trivia Night
posted October 17, 2009 in events | tags: openings, trivia | no comments
In Search of the Mundane opened last night with its first event, New Knowledge: Team Trivia Night. Teams competed against each other in heats, until the highest scorers fought for the grand prize in the final round.
Organized by Randall Szott and InCUBATE, In Search of the Mundane is a series of events taking place at the gallery and throughout Chicago, including tours, movie screenings, and public lectures, amongst other excursions and activities. The next event is a culinary tour of Maxwell Street Market happening tomorrow, October 18th. Meet your guide, Robert Gardner, at Des Plaines and Roosevelt at 10 AM. A detailed schedule of all the events is available on our calendar.
Stop by threewalls to help us complete the world’s largest crossword puzzle, enjoy a cup of coffee, or play a game of darts!
WINNIPEG BABYSITTER at the Nightingale
posted October 9, 2009 in events, residents | no comments
Winnipeg Babysitter
by Daniel Barrow
Saturday, October 17th at 8:00 pm, $10
The Nightingale
1084 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60642
In 2004, Daniel Barrow was threewalls' first Resident Artist. He's back in Chicago and will be showing Winnipeg Babysitter at The Nightingale next Saturday. More information is available here, at the bottom of the page.
STEFANO COSSU: Studio Visit and Interview
posted October 1, 2009 in residents | tags: photos, pinhole photography, residents, stefano cossu, tinkertank | no comments
Stefano Cossu is threewalls’ current Tinkertank artist in residence. We caught up with Stefano during his open studio hours and discussed what he‘s been working on while in Chicago. Stefano’s studio is open to visitors on Saturdays from 12-8pm and by appointment, until October 13th.
Tell us about yourself. What were you working on before coming to threewalls? What are your upcoming plans?
My work is currently based on pinhole photography and storytelling. I have created a fictive firm called SoFiET (Science of Fiction Entertainment Technologies), which is like a movie production company, but not quite - its movies are made out of not more than a dozen frames, but it takes much longer to shoot them than a feature film. And the "technological" part is not what one may think.
Recently I have been working on two shows. One is a group show and prize at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, in October, for which I made a series of pinhole monotypes, printed with pigment, resin and gelatin on paper.
Another show is planned to be next year at the Museum of Photographic History in Krakow, through the Italian Cultural Institute.
And I am loving Chicago. I would like to come back soon (but late enough to let the winter pass).
Philip von Zweck: The Fortieth Anniversary of the First Anniversary of May '68 (in September)
posted September 19, 2009 in events | no comments
These are a selection of images from the opening of Philip von Zweck's SOLO show on September 11th. Stop by threewalls by October 10th to see the show!
PAPERCRAFT : Featuring Christa Donner
posted September 19, 2009 in news | tags: book, christa donner, papercraft | no comments
Christa Donner, one of our 2008 solo artists, is coming to a bookstore near you! A selection of her hand drawn pop-up installations and public interventions are featured in the book “Papercraft,” a survey of contemporary art and design made with paper, from small objects to large-scale installations and urban interventions; published by Die Gestalten Verlag, Berlin. The hardcover edition includes a DVD of stop-motion animation and printable/foldable multiples. It will be released in October 2009 in the US, and more information can be found here.
Christa’s work is currently on view in Chicago as a part of “EveryBody! Visual Resistance in Feminist Health Movements, 1969 - 2009”. The show is at I Space Gallery, 230 W. Superior St. (Chicago stop on the Brown Line) and is open until October 10th. She'll also be giving a public lecture at the University of Illinois Campus in Champaign-Urbana on October 5th.
Summer Dance & Eleven7
posted August 26, 2009 in residents | no comments
Gitte's research in Chicago has included going to "Summer Dance".
... and filming a sign in her street for eight hours.
The stills are from films she is in the process of editing.
Jemima Wyman: The Declaration of Resemblance and Fluid Insurgents
posted August 26, 2009 in residents | tags: Jemima Wyman, openings, residents | no comments
Jemima Wyman is already back in Brisbane preparing for her exhibition, The Declaration of Resemblance and Fluid Insurgents, which will be opening at the Institute of Modern Art this Saturday from 5 -7pm. If you find yourself in Australia this weekend, check it out! More information can be found at www.ima.org.au.
Gitte's International Chicago Soups
posted August 18, 2009 in residents | no comments
After serving the soups at Hyde Park Art Center, Gitte will be making them one last time before she leaves Chicago. The last chance to taste them will be at InCUBATE on the 23rd of August.
Soups at 12pm and Talk at 1pm
InCUBATE
The Orientation Center
2129 North Rockwell
http://incubate-chicago.org/
Walking Through Walls: Summer Symposium - Panel Discussion
posted August 17, 2009 in events, residents | tags: performance, summer symposium | no comments
Moderated by Peter Taub, the afternoon began with a series of presentations from a panel of arts professionals, who discussed the influence of performance art on the developments of the alternative art movement and studio practices.
Citing various artworks and arts institutions, Jenni Sorkin highlighted the connections between performance, alternative venues, and women in the arts. Women have had a strong role in the development of not-for-profit galleries and publications, fueling alternative modes of making and exhibiting art.
Both professional artists and educators, Mark Jeffery and Sara Rabinowitz spoke of the influences on and projects within their art practices. Mark Jeffery brought up the idea of seemingly everyday actions as performative, and the play between an individual’s presence online and in real life as a form of dance. Sara Rabinowitz described the influence of collaboration and textile production on her work, seeing both as processes of “incremental building,” imbued with slowness and pleasure. Although operating very different practices, both artists noted the roles of community and performance within their work.
After hearing the presentations, the conversation opened up as a discussion between the panel and attendees. More to come on what followed at the Symposium’s Open Forum with our Summer Residents!
CamLab at Ox-Bow
posted August 15, 2009 in residents | no comments
During a week-long residency at Ox-Bow, CamLab extended on its project, Studies for Durational Performances. For this series of photos, we use graphically patterned expanses of fabric 60’ long to map the space between our bodies and various landscapes. www.camlab.info
Suz-ercising FOR REAL on lakefront 8/30/09
posted August 14, 2009 in residents | tags: performance, Susan Lee-Chun, The Suz | no comments
BELIEVE IT! Come see it FOR REAL on August 30th
A certified Suz-ercise crew will be working out live on Chicago's lakefront. On site will also be our faux real certified marketing associate from the Chicago branch.
Find out where we are on 8/30/09 by following our path on twitter: http://twitter.com/WeAreTheSuz -or- become a fan of The Suz on Facebook and track us through our posts and status updates.
More information and details will follow. We hope to see you on August 30th.
SPECIAL OFFER for Threewalls blog readers: Tell the marketing associate "I'm ready to start Suz-ercising now" and receive a free gift courtesy of The Suz. This offer is valid for only 8/30/09 or until supplies last.
CamLab at BEN RUSSELL
posted August 7, 2009 in residents | tags: Ben Russell, CamLab, performance, photos, video | no comments
CamLab performed at the opening reception of BEN RUSSELL : BURNS this past Sunday evening. A few of us from threewalls attended the performance, which was staged in front of the gallery, allowing both visitors and passers-by to watch from the sidewalk. Connected by long sheet of green striped fabric, one performer stayed inside the gallery at a window while the other moved outside. The two spoke to each other about physical space and architecture through personal antecdotes and quoted texts.
Along with their performance, CamLab installed a social sculpture for the show. Stretching across most of the gallery’s backyard, the sculpture is sewn of articles of clothing and hangs at shoulder level. Visitors mingled neck-up through collars, waistbands, sleeves, and other natural openings within the stratum of black fabric.
KH + KH dance to Elvis, Aug 3
posted August 7, 2009 in residents | tags: kang-hyun kanghyuni | no comments
"Check Out Spoonerism" is available for check-out
posted August 6, 2009 in residents | no comments
CamLab used hand-drawn fabric to create a suit that is available for gallery visitors to take out of the gallery for up to three days at a time in order to perform with it. When not in use, the suit hangs on the wall at ThreeWalls, acting as a kind of 3-d drawing. Each participant agrees to document their performance with a photo, which will then be added to the collection of images posted near the costume. The suit will be available for check-out until August 15. Please join us!!
photo: Rachel Wakeman's documentation of her "Check Out Spoonersim" experience
Inside Outside
posted August 5, 2009 in residents | no comments
When it rains, Kang-hyun has to tie Kanghyuni's limbs around her body and run. Fingers crossed for beautiful weather till they accomplish the rest of journey - which is nearly 200 CTA routes. :-)
photo: July 30 - bus X20 // at the Blue Line train station, getting ready to ride out the raindrops.
Kang-hyun and Kanghyuni's Chicago Tour
posted August 3, 2009 in residents | no comments
Kang-hyun and Kanghyuni are strolling around town. They are taking buses and the El train everyday, sometimes joining Summer Dance events.
photo: Kanghyuni seems much happier during the brief moments in between buildings on Milwuakee Ave when the sun comes through. July 29th - Bus 56.
"Gitte's International Chicago Soups"
posted August 2, 2009 in residents | no comments
On Wednesday the 5th of August there will be another chance to taste "Gitte's International Chicago Soups" at Hyde Park Art Center between 12.30 and 2.30pm. Please ask for the location of the event at the reception.
CPS Thinktank Workshop with CamLab
posted July 28, 2009 in CPS Thinktank, residents | tags: CamLab., chicago public schools, CPS, residents | no comments
Continuing with the second week of the Thinktank workshops, CamLab inspired a group of teachers from CPS to create unique pieces that transform and attach to the body. They constructed the costumes using diverse materials: black bags, red and black duct tape, red plastic glasses, cord, leggings, etc.
CPS Thinktank v 3.0
posted July 28, 2009 in CPS Thinktank | tags: Chicago Public Schools, CPS, thinktank | no comments
This years Chicago Public School teaching artists and participants in THINKTANK will blog about their work stemming from this summer's workshops with threewalls summer residents and performance artists CamLab, Susan Lee-Chun, Gitte Bog and Kang-hyun Ahn. Documentation of those workshops can be found tagged "residents," but from here-on the CPS teachers will blog about their process of working in new performative or relational work as they create new projects at large in their community. The blog will act as an ongoing dialog and archive of their process and projects as they work towards a final presentation of documentation in an exhibition or publication format in 2010.
Follow them here under entries tagged CPS Thinktank!
Summer Residents and Threewalls Staff Gather in CamLab's Bedroom
posted July 27, 2009 in residents | no comments
CamLab performs in Japan
posted July 27, 2009 in residents | 1 comment
Just prior to the start of their threewalls residency, CamLab performed with the Black Eyed Peas at the MTV Music Awards Japan 2009.
CamLab at Ben Russell
posted July 27, 2009 in residents | tags: CamLab | no comments
BEN RUSSELL presents
CAMLAB (ANNA MAYER & JEMIMA WYMAN)
DIANA GUERRERO-MACIA
MATT HANNER
SEMICONDUCTOR (RUTH JARMAN & JOE GERHARDT)
1716 S Morgan #2F
Chicago, IL 60608
August 2 to August 30, 2009
Opening reception: 6-10 pm, August 2, 2009
Private viewings by appointment*
-----
ABOUT THE SHOW:
In remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Harrowing Pepsi Shoot of 1984, the Tragic Heat Wave of 1995, and that August '09 sweat on your Midwest brow; in honor of the public swimming pool around the corner, the names of various Midwestern sports teams, the ice cream truck that is actually probably not a drug front, and the sweet rattle of window-mounted air-conditioning units; in praise of art and summertime and the rapid rise in regional mercury, BEN RUSSELL presents its third show in just as many months - BEN RUSSELL : BURNS
Following (hot) on the heels of last month's (smoking) success, an opening that was made complete with the romance of a simulated Mars-Moon eclipse in the cop-infested alleyway (via artists Roxanne Hopper and Julie Rudder), this month's scorcher features two artists and two artist duos of international persuasion. Break your sunglasses, skip the tanning salon, throw that 60SPF sunscreen in the trash and let the BURNS at BEN RUSSELL char to a crisp your inner and outer cultural selves. From the language-branded cowflesh of Chicagoan Diana Guerrero-Macía to the glow-in-the-dark smokebomb abstractions of Matt Hanner, from UK team Semiconductor's sun-flared NASA video grit to the campfire-replacement sculpture and damsel-in-distress performance of CamLab, BEN RUSSELL : BURNS will demonstrate unequivocally that, at least in Pilsen, the heat is on.
In keeping with the by-now time-honored BEN RUSSELL custom, opening-night attendees are invited to feel the (afore-mentioned) heat of the barbecue and bask in the chill of mild inebriation, while supplies last.
BEN RUSSELL is a newly formed art space in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Co-curated by artists Brandon Alvendia and Ben Russell and situated around the front two rooms in the apartment of its namesake, BEN RUSSELL began presenting a series of month-long 5-person shows on Memorial Day Weekend in the year 2009. Participating artists are invited to produce and exhibit work that is in accordance with the title/theme of each show, the name of which will be derived entirely from the 10 letters in the words "ben russell." Future shows may include BEN RUSSELL : BLUENESS, BEN RUSSELL : REBELS, and BEN RUSSELL : BEER. In keeping with the structural conceits of the French Oulipo language group and the spatial and material limits of what is effectively a rented apartment, BEN RUSSELL maintains a set of restrictions for all exhibiting artists by which:
- One artist shall produce a wall-mounted work scaled at a minimum of three quarters of the thirteen by ten foot wall
- One artist shall produce a wall-mounted work at a maximum of one half of the opposing wall space between the two adjacent doors
- One artist shall produce a time-based work to be presented via a CRT flat screen monitor (and associated components) with Dolby 5.1 audio in the adjacent screening room
- One artist shall produce work to be installed in the all-weather sculpture garden
- One artist shall produce work to be performed for the duration of 15-30 minutes during the opening
BEN RUSSELL features a rotating roster of Chicago-based and non-Chicago-based artists and will be open for viewings one night a month and by appointment, as needed.
CPS Thinktank Workshop with Kang-Hyun Ahn
posted July 23, 2009 in CPS Thinktank, residents | tags: chicago public schools, CPS, kaleidoscope, Kang-Hyun Ahn., residents | no comments
In the second week of the Thinktank workshops, resident Artist Kang-Hyun Ahn supervised the CPS Teaching Artists in the construction of a Kaleidoscope. After completion, the viewer looks in one end and light enters the other end, reflecting off interior mirrors. The CPS group made their Kaleidoscopes with colorful, patterned cardboards. The Kaleidoscope is related to hyperbolic geometry. It was initially intended as a science tool, but was quickly copied as a toy.
CPS Thinktank Workshop with Gitte Bog
posted July 23, 2009 in CPS Thinktank, residents | tags: chicago public schools, CPS, Gitte Bog, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, residents, vegetables. | no comments
This summer, each resident artist is leading a thinktank workshop with a group of CPS Teaching Artists. The first workshop was lead by Gitte Bog. At the workshop, the Teaching Artists used vegetables to create a portrait inspired by the paintings of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, and then made a tasty soup. Below is slideshow of the process.
CPS Thinktank Workshop with Susan Lee-Chun
posted July 22, 2009 in CPS Thinktank, residents | tags: chicago public schools, CPS, residents, Susan Lee-Chun. | no comments
Susan Lee-Chun led this summer's second CPS Thinktank Workshop at threewalls. After a presentation of her work, Susan and the Teaching Artists discussed performative acts, costume, and identity.
"No Other One Is" Opening
posted July 15, 2009 in events, residents | no comments
Our Summer Residents‘ work is currently on view in the gallery. The opening of “No Other One Is” included performances by Susan Lee-Chun and Kang-hyun Ahn. Visitors tasted samples of Gitte Bog’s “International Chicago Soups” and entered a raffle to participate in a Suz-ercise event to be held at Chicago’s lakefront later this summer. Visitors also signed up to engage with Camlab’s “Check Out Spoonerism,” a costume that can be checked-out on loan. Videos, installations, and ephemera from the opening night’s performances can be seen in the gallery now through August 15th.
Studio Visit with Susan Lee-Chun
posted July 8, 2009 in residents | tags: Susan Lee-Chun | no comments
Susan’s been busy making props, costumes, and building her installation for her upcoming performance during the opening of “No Other One Is”. Her studio is full of dodecahedron-shaped barbells and futuristic work-out clothes made of vinyl leather and black and gold spandex. She’s going to be working on some new Suz-ercise attire for a performance later this summer on Chicago’s Lakefront.
Studio Visit with Gitte Bog
posted July 8, 2009 in residents | tags: gitte bog, photos, residents | no comments
We caught up with Gitte at the Hyde Park Art Center while she was gathering information for her latest project. Gitte's been asking participants around the city to guess ingredients that they'd expect to find in soups from different countries. Gitte will be using the answers she's been collecting to make her own soups, which she'll be serving at the opening of "No Other One Is" at threewalls on July 10th.
Summer Residents Are Here!
posted July 1, 2009 in events, residents | tags: exhibition, residents | no comments
Working in studios located in Hyde Park, Bridgeport, and the West Loop, our Summer Residents have been busy preparing for their upcoming exhibition. Check the calendar for show details ››
You Oughta Be In Fangs....
posted June 11, 2009 in events | tags: fangs, fundraiser, photos | 1 comment
John Preus
posted May 30, 2009 in news | tags: John Preus | no comments
Read this great article about artist John Preus, who designed and built our entry and bookstore in this new article in Medill Reports!
WISH LIST for Jon Brumit & Christy Matson
posted April 17, 2009 in news | tags: next art fair, support, wish list | no comments
Jon Brumit and Christy Matson are doing a spectacular installation for threewalls at the NEXT Fair and we need your help!
The following are some items we're on the hunt for to be donated to the artists for their piece:
ATTENTION Star People * Light Workers * Indigo, Crystal & Rainbow Children
speakers and audio amplifiers (the bigger the better)
small oscillating fans
motion activated lights / motion sensors
all kinds of small healing devices
2 8' lengths of 2"x4"
Please email shannon@three-walls.org if you can help!
Paper & Carriage Nominated for Best New Publication!
posted April 9, 2009 in news, reviews | tags: Awards, Paper & Carriage | no comments
We were excited to receive news in the mail that we were nominated by for Best New Publication by Utne Independent Press Award! Check out other nominees at Utne.
Video From the Renaissance Society Panel: Is There Such a Thing As a Chicago Artist?
posted March 12, 2009 in news | tags: Renaissance Society, Video | no comments
For those of us who missed the panel discussion, The Renaissance Society has now made it available on YouTube.
Is There Such a Thing As a Chicago Artist?
Bookstore Submissions
posted March 5, 2009 in news | tags: bookstore | no comments
If you are an independent publisher, zine maker, book or multiple artist, we are interested in your work! Please submit images, samples or contact us for an appointment: Shannon Stratton, shannon@three-walls.org.
1000 Legger at Mutherland
posted January 23, 2009 in events, news | tags: 1000 Legger, meeting | no comments
Vicki Fowler of Mutherland will host her first 1000 Legger meeting on Feb. 7th from 4-8pm.
A 'word-of-mouth' society for female artists, 1000 Legger meetings will happen at Mutherland with Fowler and colleagues inviting female artists and other visual-arts cultural workers to come and talk about their practice over casual drinks and snacks.
This first installation will include presentations by Abigail Satinsky of InCUBATE, Emily Green of Harold Arts and Shannon Stratton of threewalls.
There is a $10 suggested donation (proceeds go towards making this and future Leggers happen). Vegan black bean soup and refreshments available.
Please join us!
Daniel Tucker
posted January 23, 2009 in news | tags: Daniel Tucker, political, writings | no comments
Check out Daniel Tucker's posting on groups and spaces in Chicago, part of a 5 part series on socially and politically engaged art in Chicago that Daniel is writing for the Belgian art magazine, H-Art .
Series Description: This series of five articles published in <H>Art Magazine in Belgium will be an introduction to Chicago, Illinois USA and it's local critical cultural experimentation, written from the perspective of a magazine editor and curator committed to navigating the city. Look for three more articles in 2009 dealing with cultural institutions, art media and individual artists.
Another great project of Daniels is a series of questions he's been posing on 5 Questions About Art in Chicago.
W.A.G.E.
posted January 12, 2009 in news | tags: W.A.G.E. | no comments
Working artists and the greater economy.
Check out wage for work:
Is there such a thing as a Chicago artist?
posted January 11, 2009 in news | tags: discussion, Renaissance Society | 2 comments
The Ren hosted this forum this afternoon with Philip Von Zweck, Lynne Warren, Chuck Thurow, Paul Klein and representing our team, Elizabeth Chodos. Many have stated before me that Chicago has this discussion rather regularly, which, given its repetitiveness, must mean that the question nags at the collective Chicago art-conscience.
In short, there was no agreed upon thesis (what makes a Chicago artist) although the idea that Chicago has a remarkable work-ethic and, perhaps by, extension, notable 'craftsmanship' in its practices seemed to elicit nods of acknowledgement from the panel and audience. Being labeled 'Chicago' is for some a positive, others a non-issue, and in the case of Thurow, perhaps an exciting possibility that Chicago is on the cusp of - that is, a time when Chicago artists would find an advantage in associating themselves specifically with this city, just as artists do, say, from Los Angeles or Berlin.
In regards to work ethic, it was suggested that one of the advantages to Chicago, is an ability to work here unfettered by a 'system,' perhaps a robust commercial scene, that puts specific demands on artists work. Without that golden-noose of the kind of patronage, say New York artists 'enjoy', Chicago artists take risks or make decidedly non-commercial art. At the same time, Warren expressed disappointment in the cities commercial galleries for not supporting enough experimental, risky projects in 'their back rooms' - something that makes exhibitions here too 'provincial.' No doubt there are those that will agree and disagree with that assessment, but it begs the question that if in fact Chicago did have these 'back rooms' that Warren laments, would we have the same art.
The conversation degenerated a little bit when the idea of 'rehashing' was raised, as the negative result to our not having any historical perspective (i.e. a common holding of Chicago art). This missing link seems to still dog many in the community looking for that elusive 'room' in one of our institutions dedicated to Chicago artists or a biennial of sorts to collect them up. Whether or not this missing link adversely affects the work made here or its ability to be taken into account outside of this community was not elaborated on, but it seemed clear by the tenor of the discussion that there still is a need to be acknowledged. Chicago artists, administrators, curators, collectors or historians-at-large are just not in total agreement on who and how and for ultimately, whose benefit that perspective is for.
There is vitality to our scene, that moderator Hamza Walker was careful to reiterate, that the margins are the center in our community, and with that is ushered in a certain kind of energy. When I asked the panel if Chicago (visual art) wants to or needs to be acknowledged or branded, and by who, in order to achieve some kind of tangible marker of its own value, influence or maybe even sexiness, Walker (in short) said our acknowledgment came internally. That is, it is the energy generated here in Chicago for our artists, exhibitions, projects, curators and so on, our cultural work and its workers, that, when done again and again, with integrity and vibrancy, will keep our scene vital and spread beyond our city limits.
Please feel free to leave your thoughts and insights.
- Shannon
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Follow our summer residents: Susan Lee-Chun, CamLab, Kang-hyun Ahn and Gitte Bog on our blog!