Art School Confidential

I have been awaiting this movie for some time, and it's finally here! It will start playing in theatres nationwide starting May 12.

Art School Confidential Official Website

Imb reviews

MCA Does Andy Warhol

As a member of the Musuem of Contemporary Art (hooray student discount), and an avid enthusiast of the institution in general, one cannot fathom the disappointment I felt during a recent visit to see the exhibit that sounds so promising in title...ANDY WARHOL/SUPERNOVA: Stars, Deaths, and Disasters,1962-1964 (March 18 – June 18, 2006). The only thing that waylaid my stark unhappiness was the fact that it was Free Tuesday and my companion did not have to pay.

I have been mulling over for some time about the reason for my experience. I arrived at the musuem full of a delicous lunch, purveyed the offerings in the expansive downstairs galleries and then finally made my way upstairs for the Warhol exhibit. I was delighted as I turned the corner to see the actual "Turquoise Marilyn" that I had seen so often reproduced (Andy would be so proud), though unfortunately, I believe the placement of this work was ill advised since it set me up for the expectation that there would be more of that. In truth, of Warhol's later, more popular endeavors, there were about five or six (some not even placed in the same exhibit, but along a blank wall on another level) and when I looked closer at the exhibit's title, I realized the exhibit only covers two years of his early works, his formative works, shall we say.

Enter profound disappointment.

As I wandered through the rest of the carefully culled and displayed collection, I began to accept the collective idea, especially after viewing a smaller room with the original photographs of accidents and deaths and mourning that showed how Warhol used cropping and colors to emphasize our fascination with gore. This was probably the most musuem-ish part, but I enjoyed the connections that the curator must have been making about Warhol's process, something we rarely see when it comes to artists.

The rest of the exhibit (which was rather short), featured many early works that lacked the overtly kitchsy pop references, but shone with a patina of an emerging concept, that ultimately consumed Warhol's complete attention, the silkscreening process and the idea of repetitive images. It was this that most captured my mind as I wandered through three or four long silver canvasses of Elvis in a cowboy get-up, each unique due to differences in the pressing of color. Apparently when Elizabeth Taylor was younger, she was all the rage that Angelina Jolie is currently, and Warhol used her likeness from movies as well, in staggering canvasses that had sixteen or more of the same image soaked in varying shades of blue. The facial collage of Jackie O lacked color, but the placement of her sad moment next to a happier photo were full of the mischief that Warhol was going for, the juxtaposition of who people are and how we remember them.

I also quite enjoyed the empty spaces on the wall between pieces being filled by short Warhol-esque quips, like, "Why do people think artists are special? It's just another job." The two or three viewing stations for Warhol's "movies" was also an interesting inclusion, though did little to elucidate the work shown in the exhibit, and merely provided entertainment. However there was a small room in the exhibit that shows Warhol's fascination with faces, as he aims the camera on two dozen people (some famous, some not) and records their movements and anxiety during a very long take.

In the end, and after much consideration, I know I learned a lot about how Warhol developed his work, the many tries it took to reach the outrageous face of "Turquoise Marilyn" but this exhibit could have benefitted from a more apt title; a suggestion: ANDY WARHOL/BEFORE THE SUPERNOVA: Stars, Deaths, and Disasters,1962-1964.

On an entirely different, though not completely unrelated, note a startling look at the face of evil and its ability to hide among us took me completely by surprise. The exhibit HIM at the MCA is probably the most minimalist exhibit I've seen in some time, though the work itself is very complicated and detailed. Read more: HIM at MCA.

HIT Musuem of Contemporary Art 220 East Chicago Avenue on a Tuesday.

Growing Restraint 9

Upon hearing that Matthew Barney created a new movie, and this time with his wife/partner Bjork, I had to see it. Hence, last Thursday I went to Landmark on Clark to see Growing Restraint 9.

Bjork created the soundtrack to the movie, while Barney was responsible for the story and visual presentation. I do not think she wants to be associated with the script, as she usually points out that her focus was on creating music, and not on visual aspects of the film. Overall, the movie was a scrumptious, elating adventure, and the soundtrack fit the film extremely well. Since the film has no dialogue, only for a small conversation in the middle, the music allows the viewer to focus on the visual aspects and the developing story. Apparently, the album to the movie was not liked by Bjork's fans; however, one must remember that its main purpose was to accompany the film and not to be heard alone. Hence, in order to really enjoy this album, one should see Growing Restrain 9.

The Story: Bjork and Barney are guests on a whaling boat. As they arrive, they go through various ceremonial rituals before they meet each other, and their host. The rituals include: bathing, shaving, make up, hair do, being dressed in elaborate animal skins,etc. Once the host arrives,they have tea and a small chat with him (this is the only dialogue in the film). After the host leaves, they remain alone where they begin to portray affection and love for each other through touch, and eventually through stabbing each other in the legs, ripping the meat off, and even tasting parts of their flesh. This part is quiet bloody and gruesome, although, the legs do not look real, however the stabbing is quiet long, and often times it appears as if it will go on forever. As this occurs, the are half submerged in water. At the end of the movie, they turn into whales and swim away from the ship. The movie was very interesting and enjoyable, but could have been a little shorter, as some of the beginning scenes did not make sense (but maybe that's just me). In addition, during the movie there are other events occurring on the ship and surrounding dock. The workers are engaged in building some large metal container,which is later filled in with a white substance, and in the end cut apart; there are children dancing in a procession, several females swimming, and more.

I believe the movie is about creativity, restraint and love, but I might be off. I suggest for everyone to see this movie, if not to see what Barney is about, then to get full enjoyment of Bjork's latest album.

Growing Restraint Website

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Another intriguing artist

I love her miniature boxes, something similar to those miniature rooms at the Art Institute. She will have her work shown at r p marshall three studio (1932 s. halsted #507) in Pilsen this Friday, April 14.

Krista Peel's Website

Awsome designs/drawings

I have stumbled upon this guy's work through my roommate, Aga. Hopefully, I will get to meet this guy. He works on paper with ink, then scans in the image, and inputs color into the drawings on his computer. Worth looking at!!!


His websites:
Sebastjan's Design
Sebastjan's Photos

Stuff To Do

As many of you may know, April is a time of Chicago art fests. Here is a list of events worthy attending.

1. Version06:April 20-May 7
2. Nova Art Fair: April 28-30
3. Art Chicago in the Park: April 28-May 1
4. Stray Show (part of Art Chicago): April 28-May 1

It is my understanding that the organizers of these shows are working together in promoting each others events. Version will have an info booth at Art Chicago, and Nova Art Fair will be distributing fliers at Art Chicago. All three events are very different from each other, Version06 being the most radical and fun, while the others are the traditional contemporary art fairs, where galleries from various areas apply for a spot, and have a tent with works by artists they represent. Nonetheless, this will be a great time to see a variety of works ranging from the experimental to the more traditional. See u there!!! If any of you will be attending, and you happen to read this blog, feel free to submit your views and critiques of the fests to me at chicagoarts@gmail.com. I am looking for more interested souls to contribute to this blog, especially if you enjoy writing and critiquing pop and art culture.

Version>06 Parallel Cities is near

Mark your calendars for this year's version fest. It will run from April 20-May 7,2006.

Version>06

NOVA Art Fair-Apr. 27-30

Mark your calendars! Tell your friends! Besides a hot and happening party with a set by the ever-popular Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all tickets to The Nova '06 Vernissage party on Thursday April 27 at Smartbar will also benefit the Chicago ART Project (www.chicagoartfoundation.org).

PLEASE NOTE: This is a *limited attendance* event, so it's first come, first served. We'd like to invite supporters of the Chicago ART Project to grab their tickets now, before they're sold out. Tickets also include an OPEN BAR from 8-1pm, sponsored by Svedka Vodka, and Heineken Premium Light.

Buy Tickets Here

Vernissage Afterparty
Thursday, April 27, 2006: 8pm-4am
Open Bar: 8pm-10pm
Tickets: $26

The weekend's afterhours activities will kick off with the Nova '06 Vernissage Afterparty at Smartbar. Chicago locals John Phillips and Derek James will warm things up with some vintage soul and ass-shakin eclecticism, and Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid will hit the decks for a special Nova-sponsored appearance. Portion of the proceeds to benefit The Chicago ART Foundation.)

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Nova Art Fair Vernissage
at City Suites Hotel
933 W. Belmont Ave.

Professional Preview
Hours: 1pm - 4pm
Tickets: TBD

Public Reception
Hours: 5pm - 10pm
Tickets: $20 BUY

Vernissage Afterparty
at SmartBar
3730 N. Clark St.

Hours: 8pm-4am
Open Bar: 8pm-10pm
Tickets: $26 BUY
Portion of proceeds to benefit The Chicago ART Foundation.
Featured DJs:
Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid|+|
John Phillips|+|
Derek James|+|

DJ Spooky
photo: Tobin Poppenberg
Friday, April 28, 2006

Nova Art Fair
at City Suites Hotel
933 W. Belmont Ave.

General Admission: Noon - 8pm
Tickets: $10 BUY

Nova Train Fashion Show
departing from the Belmont El Stop

Times: 8pm, 9pm, 10pm (times are approximated)
Tickets: $20 BUY


Nova Art Fair Afterparty
at Berlin Nightclub
954 W. Belmont

General Admission: 8pm - 4am
Tickets: $5

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Nova Art Fair
at City Suites Hotel
933 W. Belmont Ave.

General Admission: Noon - 8pm
Tickets: $10 BUY

Film & Video Screenings
at Landmark Century Cinemas
2828 N. Clark St.

Noon - 4pm
Tickets: TBD
Selections/Schedule: TBD

Nova Art Fair Afterparty
at Berlin Nightclub
954 W. Belmont

General Admission: 8pm - 4am
Tickets: $5

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Nova Art Fair
at City Suites Hotel
933 W. Belmont Ave.

General Admission: Noon - 6pm
Tickets: $10 BUY

2006 SAIC Graduate Exhibition: May 6-19

This is a show not to be missed by those interested in applying to the graduate program at the Art Institute of Chicago. As one of the top graduate programs in US, the museums and gallery owners from Chicago often come to this show to scout for the next "it" in the art world. It differs immensely from the undergraduate show, as works focus more on critical thinking and there is more context behind the creation of the artwork.

More than 150 students completing graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates exhibit their work in Art and
Technology Studies; Ceramics; Designed Objects; Fiber and Material Studies; Film, Video, and New Media; Interior Architecture; Painting and Drawing; Performance; Photography; Printmedia; Sculpture; Visual Communication; and Writing.

MAY 6 - 19
2nd and 3rd Floors
847 West Jackson Boulevard
Opening Reception: MAY 5, Friday, 5 - 8 p.m.
Graduate Reading Event: May 11, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Exhibition Hours: Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday -
Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.
Extended viewing: May 10 and 19, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Free Admission

Graduating students from the Writing Program will read selections of
their theses on May 11 at 7 p.m. in Gallery 2 and Project Space. The
evening includes poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and scenes from plays.

For additional information about all Exhibitions and Time Arts
Events, please call 312.563-5162.

2006 SAIC Undergraduate Exhibition: Apr. 2-14

This is usually a quiet interesting exhibit, as you can see a variety of work by a talented group of artists. Given, not all will become artists in their professional career, nonetheless, the work on display shows great skills, and creativity that goes beyond of what I have experienced in my college years. Simply stated, see what the current cool kids are up to, it will be fun.

More than 280 students completing undergraduate degrees exhibit innovative work in a range of media, including ceramics; fashion design; fiber arts; film; video, and new media; painting and drawing; performance; photography; printmedia; sculpture; and sound.

APRIL 2 - 14
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Floors
847 West Jackson Boulevard
Opening Reception: APRIL 1, Saturday, 5 - 8 p.m.
Exhibition Hours: Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday -
Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.
Extended viewing: April 5 and 14, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Free Admission

Up-coming exhibitions and related events:

Graduate and Undergraduate Performance Programs

See two thought provoking evening programs that blur the boundaries
between theater, movement, and the visual arts.

APRIL 22 - 23, Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m.
280 South Columbus Drive, Room 012 (lower level)
Performance Space
Free Admission

Graduate and Undergraduate Film, Video, and Audio Presentations

Encounter the next generation of film, video, and new media artists
in this festival of innovative live-action shorts, animation,
feature-length narrative and non-fiction works, and experimental
digital and audio pieces.

MAY 12, Friday, 1 - 10 p.m.
MAY 13, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
164 North State Street
Gene Siskel Film Center
Free admission, tickets required from box office in advance. Tickets
can be obtained from the Gene Siskel Film Center during box office
hours (after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, after 2:00 p.m. on weekends).