This evening was the Chicago's Twelve panel discussion, led by Masani Wisewater, about their work at the Garfield Park Conservatory. This was a joyful experience for me.
The evening was not just about the Chicago Twelve, at least for me. It was also about the Garfield Park Conservatory. I have never been there before, so it was a chance to explore, journey, dream of earth, and how cool it would be just to camp out here !!!!!
The Chicago's Twelve was curated by Sergio Gomez. This show challenged the artists to identify issues with materials in our environment, define the re-purpose of these items through their art, to reduce our footprint we are leaving our future. A big challenge. Perhaps a re-education for the artists. If our materials sustain for what seems to be forever, can we re-define, re-purpose, to put to new use before we discard into mounds of trash? If our materials will decay in the short term, can we find a re-use until they decay, offering the re-purpose through the life cycle? All of this was asked of the panel from the Chicago's Twelve, to respond on what and how they chose to create, in order to reduce the footprint to our future. There response, both personal and emotional, translates well in their art.
Here are some photos for you to enjoy ! (The photo above includes two of Victoria Fuller's creations hanging from the ceiling.)
Above Artist - Jason Brammer
Above Artist - Victoria Fuller
Above Artist - Alfonso "Piloto" Nieves Ruiz
Above Artist - Mary Ellen Croteau
Above Artist - Dana Major Kanovitz
Now if nature gives the artist a thumbs up, or a stretched neck heads up in this case, who can argue. The photo below is Yva Neal's art, which the turtle is enjoying.
Above Artist - Connie Noyes
Above Artist - Vivian Visser
Yes, Dana was a tricky creature to find. Only small glimpses at a time were offered . . . (yes, I am having fun here with Dana, whether she knew it or not)
And, there are always strange creatures about, just like a mouse, or a train . . .
The Conservatory seemed to come alive, once again, with color and shadow as the sun went down. A totally new journey of wonder. New shapes to explore with my camera.
The art, the earth, the human / plant combination inside this conservatory, was spectacular. The Chicago's Twelve did us proud with their work. The Garfield Park Conservatory has done Chicago proud, by accepting our artists, and making this venue FREE to the public.
Please make some time to see this. Please donate, even though it is free. Because we care.
There is more art at the Conservatory that I did not photograph. I plan to go back and capture this new life, and then to update this blog post.
Chicago's Twelve at Garfield Park Conservatory
Curated by Sergio Gomez
Artists:
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
(312) 746-5100
Open Every Day except 11/23/2012, 12/24/2012, 12/31/2012
9 am - 5 pm
Wednesdays 9 am - 8 pm
Please, make time to go see the art, to understand our environment. Think about reducing our footprint for our future. Most of all, please enjoy the Garfield Park Conservatory, and please donate even though it is FREE.
