Toshiko Takaezu ~ Perimeter Gallery

Toshiko Takaezu, “Form C”, 2001, ceramic, 32 x 20 x 19 inches

Yesterday afternoon, I spent some time wandering around Chicago’s River North gallery district. It's been a month or two since I had an opportunity to visit the neighborhood so I’ve been anticipating this time to explore. The trip was well worth it… I saw some wonderful work.

Perimeter Gallery, located at 210 W. Superior Street, is presenting a beautifully-peaceful exhibition of ceramic vessels by Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011). The gallery becomes a garden of vessels mimicking a walk through a forest or nature preserve. The vertical vessels emerge from the floor as though growing from the hardwood. Smaller pieces—resting on platform ledges—offer a vision of vines cascading from a garden wall. The clean form of the vessels mimic the crisp environment of the gallery while the beautifully adorned surfaces add a natural element of intrigue with brushstrokes and drips of neutral tones… peaceful and meditative. 

Also, don’t forget to visit Perimeter's lower level gallery. There is a wonderful—very meditative— installation piece by Keiko Hara that should be experienced.

The Toshiko Takaezu exhibition continues through December 31st. Perimeter Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 to 5:30. Additional information can be found at: perimetergallery.com
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Rebecca Moy: Coming this Fall

I believe that I became acquainted with the work of Rebecca Moy during the preparation of the 2009 Art Against AIDS event. Intrigued by the work during the jury process, I selected Moy’s painting to be included in the Preview Exhibition, which was presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. While the show was installed, I explored the piece and considered it for my personal collection. Like many collectors, I knew I wanted the piece but I was trying to decide where to place the work within our home. I put off the purchase.

The piece didn’t sell during the Preview Exhibition and it was scheduled to be on live auction at the main event. Both my partner and I decided that the Moy painting would be a refreshing addition to our growing collection. We agreed on the price we would pay and continued on with the evening. Friends and collogues filled the room. Distractions were everywhere and before we realized, the auction of the Moy painting had concluded. We had missed our opportunity.

After the auction, I approached the impeccably dressed Artist to express my interest in her work. I wanted to see more. I did. The work was consistent, intriguing and professional. I scheduled a solo exhibition for the 2010 exhibition season and asked that she stay in contact with me as the show began to solidify.

Well... I met with Rebecca—this past week—in her studio. I was invited into the abundant sanctuary were massive canvases surround a central workspace. Here was where—I imagine—the painter would obsessively apply layer after layer of acrylic, inventing—and reinventing—new meditative imagery. Some of the compositions were presented in quiet palettes while others seem charged with electric vibrancy... each conveying an individual mood or personality. They're amazing.

Above is a detail of one of the paintings in progress. The Rebecca Moy exhibition will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago in November. It’s a show that shouldn’t be missed. I’ll keep you posted.