Don Pollack ~ Perimeter Gallery

Don Pollack, Detail from "American Landscape" 2012
oil on panel, 7 panels each 9 x 7 inches

“34 Days to Washington” is the current exhibition by artist, Don Pollack, on view at Perimeter Gallery in Chicago. It’s an interesting exhibit that chronicles a recent 2046 mile bicycle journey that followed Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural train route from Springfield to Washington D.C. The exhibition consists of paintings, maps and significant objects that compare and contrast the parallel expeditions. From Pollack’s statement…

I propose that the time has come to recognize the human powered act of riding a bicycle as an artistic gesture. The form is about movement and the measure of place. Slow movement and long distance travel situates a rider in an intimate relationship within the landscape…

Pollack goes on to describe his touring speed in relation to that of a horse and buggy… offering a slower, simpler transition of the scenic countryside. He attempts to mimic the same perception that Lincoln would have experienced on his journey. The images are peaceful but not typical of landscape painting. He incorporates graphic elements to his imagery and offers interesting twists to the landscape theme.

Continuing through May 31st, this exhibition is well worth exploring. Perimeter Gallery is located at 210 W. Superior Street in Chicago. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 to 5:30.

Rhonda Gates, "Steeling Blue Away", 2011, oil on panel, 16" x 20

While you’re there, check out the lower level gallery. There is an exhibition of abstract modular paintings by Rhonda Gates that’s also quite wonderful.
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