Jankowski's Sanctuary

I awoke early on Monday morning to complete the installation of the Michael Jankowski exhibition at Gallery 180. As I finished hanging the last painting on the freshly painted accent wall, it became obvious that the gallery had become a bit of a sanctuary. The art and the architectural elements of the space—stone floors, walls of glass and meditative wall color—calm the inhabitants from the city’s chaos, literally just a few steps away. The quiet imagery of the paintings are contrasted with subtle but energetic line work of the accompanying drawings. The pieces work together to create a wonderful meditative environment. The space becomes a place to loose ones self in a memory triggered by the loosely implied renderings of an attic filled with symbolism.

The exhibition, "Hidden Relics" is now open to the public. A catered reception, in honor of the artist, is scheduled for this Friday from 5:30-7:30. The exhibition is free to the public and all work is available for purchase. 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.

Image: Michael Jankowski at Gallery 180, as he previews the exhibition.

Michael Jankowski... "Hidden Relics"

I spent a few hours yesterday painting some accent walls in Gallery 180, in preparation for the installation of the subtly-dramatic “Hidden Relics” exhibition. The exhibition of fifteen paintings and drawings—created by Chicago Artist, Michael Jankowski—opens this week with a catered reception on Friday November 20th from 5:30-7:30. The imagery focuses on the significant objects in our lives, which evoke memories of the past. For those interested in a preview, the installation of the show should be complete by Monday afternoon. All work is available for purchase. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, is located at 180 North Wabash—the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop.

Save The Date... Michael Jankowski

Friday, November 20th 5:30-7:30

Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will be presenting "Hidden Relics", an exhibition of new work created by Chicago artist, Michael Jankowski. Jankowski’s high key paintings and intense gestural drawings evoke a range of emotion. The subtle and faded forms seem to be relics from the past or faded memories, which attempt to re-emerge from our cluttered realities. Assumed to be documentation of Jankowski’s life, the beautifully produced quiet renditions seem to connect with each viewer’s personal history. Clearly influenced by the drawings and paintings of the Swiss Artist, Albeto Giacometti [1901-1966], Jankowski brings forth a contemporary flavor to the content and gestural line-work of his attic-inspired imagery.

This exhibition opens on November 16 and runs through January 15, 2010. A catered reception will be held on Friday, November 20th from 5:30-7:30pm. Entry is free and the exhibition is open to the public. Works are available for purchase. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-5.

Image: Michael Jankowski, "Mother Can You Hear Me", Charcoal, 24 x 17" $950.