The Chicago Artists Association’s Fall 2011 Exhibition brings together more than two dozen works in a wide array of media, including paintings, collage, photographs, sculpture, and metalwork. Although the pieces reveal a panoptic of contrasting subject matter, overall they simultaneously reflect the diversity of artists featured in the show, both in their talents and backgrounds.
This diversity symbolizes the larger scale community that represents Northeastern Illinois University, since the invitation for submissions of work for the juried show was extended to all NEIU students and all media. The result of the Fall 2011 Exhibition is a visual bouquet of assorted artworks that are not bonded to a single theme by artists including Lisa Beiwel, Darius Dennis, Diane De Ribaupierre, Jacqueline Hochbaum, Todd A. Irwin, Marco Solis Martinez, and Cordarice Mark Thomas.
Spectators are given the freedom to enter the show without any preconceived notions; he or she might find him or herself in love with the vibrating colors of Joanna Pryzblak’s Media, made of acrylic, magazines, and gel medium, or captivated by the somber glare of Mayer Daley attired in the garb of a butler in Dennis’ oil on canvas, Sells Itself. Another attention grabbing work is Irwin’s Warhol-eqsue sculptural piece, $29.99, which consists of six stacked boxes screen-printed with the words “New!, Art, Conceptual, and Nothing Inside!”
Because of the array, what one visitor connects to may be different from the next—this effect is, in part, the goal of the Exhibition. When the Chicago Artists Association undertook the endeavor, it was clear that they wanted to avoid exclusivity, which attests to the group’s larger vision of a network of progressive allies that navigate the larger art community. The uninhibited theme allowed for outstanding artworks and voices to enter the show that would have otherwise been left out and discounted if they had to adhere to a narrow criterion.
The works are on view until mid-December, and the capstone of the show will be its closing reception on Dec. 16, 2011, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The top three winning submissions will be revealed, and monetary prizes awarded. Complimentary h’orderves and drinks will be served, and all who are interested are invited to attend.
For more information, contact neiuart@gmail.com, or visit www.neiuart.com.
Generous support for this exhibition came from the Northeastern Illinois Art Department.