The Art of Human Rights Preview Exhibition...

It always seems to amaze me how quickly time rushes by. Seems like I just installed the Jankowski exhibition and now it’s over.

I spent most of today installing the Preview Exhibition for “The Art of Human Rights”. The Human Rights show is a benefit for Heartland Alliance. As you probably know, Heartland has a variety of medical programs and services helping people with HIV/AIDS. It’s a good organization. I’ve been working with the Junior Board for the past three years to give the community at large an opportunity to view and purchase just some of the pieces donated by Artists from around the country. Only a small fraction of the donated work gets selected for the Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180. This year, the list includes work by:

Caroline Anderson, Nanette Loeff Allen, Susan Berg, Audry Cramblit, Jim Dee, James Deeb, Liesel Fisher, Michael Jankowski, Darren Jones, Annie Onlin Law, Paula Kloczkowski Luberda, Catherrine Maize, Laura Matzen, Jackie Melissas, Rebecca Moy, Nancy Pirri, Ted Preuss, Amy Robinson, Nancy Rosen, Lorraine Sack, Melissa Sauder, and Jacalin Subrinsky.

There are many other wonderful works which couldn’t be included due to space limitations. As I reviewed the donations, I found myself repeatedly wanting to add just one more piece… but it's important to present a cohesive show. I believe that I did just that.

Generally, the Preview Exhibition projects a soothing, meditative theme which flows through the gallery. The image above shows Jacalin Subrinsky’s “Kismet” and Paula Kloczkowski Luberda’s “Walking Man”. “Kismet”—in short, fate or destiny—seems to present a positive journey with flowing soft blue and rich brown lines of mixed media. The peaceful winding strokes of intricate color, maneuvers the viewer around the canvas in an exploration of earth and sky. It is the perfect painting to accompany Kloczkowski Luberda’s “Walking Man”. The figure—created from found wood, and woven wire—seems to be a on a primitive journey of his own. The long-legged body projects confidence in his stride and the flowing lines of his extremities mimic the shapes within Subrinsky's work.

Probably the most controversial piece in the show comes from another Chicago-area Sculptor… Nancy Pirri. Pirri offers “Sometimes I Feel Like a Fallen Angel”, an abstract ceramic sculpture of a female torso presented with three feathers. A dagger-like barb has been thrust into the figure’s back [note the shadow] and holds a small thin ceramic fragment in place—like a piece of paper to a bulletin board. The fallen angel seems to have become a victim. The use of the feathers makes reference to native Indian symbolism of ascension and spiritual evolution to a higher plane. Is it a peaceful transition after a brutal end? In any case, the piece is quite amazing.


If you’re in Chicago, stop by Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and check out the exhibition. Take your time... there are many wonderful pieces. All of the work is available for purchase and all proceeds with go directly to Heartland Alliance. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s loop.