PERCEPTIONS - Hofheimer Gallery

Julia Katz "Cache"

If you haven’t had an opportunity to experience the PERCEPTIONS exhibition at the Hofheimer Gallery, there are still a few days left. “Perceptions” will close on Tuesday, May 29th. The show presents the work of four Chicago area Artists—Julia Katz, Deanna Krueger, Rebecca Moy and myself. Each artist offers his or her own point-of-view of visual abstraction created through a unique physical or creative process.

Julia Katz [work shown above] is known for her bold use of rich color and fluid paint strokes. Through focused observations of the environment, Katz creates loosely-facetted forms of hues alluding to nature. She produces her imagery—documenting the details of light, shadow and subtle movement.

Deanna Krueger "Lichen at Brush Creek"

Deanna Krueger's work conveys some of the same visual elements of Katz but Krueger's work is much more about unique materials. Krueger manipulates medical diagnostic film to create large-format wall pieces that exist somewhere between a two-dimensional painting and three-dimensional sculpture. She applies loose layers of paint over the film and then shreds the visual evidence of the medical findings. The film is painted, torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create beautifully semi-reflective multi-faceted surface. The surface creates a shimmering, gem-like appearance reminiscent of the flickering mosaics. The same visual complexity is also apparent in the work of Rebecca Moy.

Rebecca Moy "Carnivale II"

The fine line between graphic and fine art is explored in the lyrical work of Rebecca Moy. Her bold use of color is heightened by a flat linier element that flows through and around seemingly architectural structures. The interaction of bold flat shape with mystical color gradients, offers the viewer a unique environment to explore. 

Over the years, Rebecca and I have discussed a possible collaboration—merging our styles to produce a hybrid. It came up again at the Hofheimer opening reception. We'll see what happens. 

PERCEPTIONS will conclude on Tuesday, May 29th. The Hofheimer Gallery is located at 4823 N. Damen, Chicago, IL. 60625—on the north side of Chicago in the Ravenswood area at Damen and Lawrence. The gallery is dedicated to introducing contemporary fine art in painting, drawing and sculpture from established and emerging artists. Through the year the gallery will feature provocative, engaging, solo and group exhibitions.

HOFHEIMER GALLERY | 4823 N. Damen | Chicago, IL. 60625 | 847.274.7550

Charles Gniech - Hofheimer Gallery

Charles Gniech, Untitled, 2018, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 50"

PERCEPTIONS

Charles Gniech | Julia Katz | Deanna Krueger | Rebecca Moy 

OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, MAY 4,  5-8PM

Yesterday, I dropped off a series of recent paintings at the Hofheimer Gallery. The paintings will be presented in the upcoming exhibition titled, "Perceptions". This group exhibition includes some of my most recent work—including an “Untitled” painting [shown above] utilizing a combination of my established multi-layered surface technique with a new element of smooth transitional color. The contrasts—tactile and hue—add a more dramatic spatial component to the imagery. This painting seems to be a evolutionary moment in the work that I've been producing over the past decade.

I’m excited to be included in this exhibition. Although I’ve exhibited with Deanna Krueger and Rebecca Moy on numerous occasions, this will be my introduction to the work of Julia Katz. I have no doubt that “Perceptions” will be a beautiful array of surface, pattern and color with content that deserves both joyous and introspective engagement.

Please join me at the Opening Reception of “Perceptions” this Friday from 5-8pm at the Hofheimer Gallery. Hofheimer Gallery is located at 4823 N. Damen, Chicago, IL. 60625—on the north side of Chicago in the Ravenswood area at Damen and Lawrence. The gallery is dedicated to introducing contemporary fine art in painting, drawing and sculpture from established and emerging artists. Through the year the gallery will feature provocative, engaging, solo and group exhibitions.

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, May 4th  5-8pm

The exhibition continues through May 29

HOFHEIMER GALLERY  |  4823 N. Damen  |  Chicago, IL. 60625  |  847.274.7550

Deanna Krueger: Shards

Deanna Krueger, Thalassa, Acrylic monotype prints on recycled medical diagnostic film, [X-Ray, MRI film], staples 62" x 63"

After living on the planet for a while, life begins to fall into a comforting rhythm—until that repetitive beat gets unexpectedly disrupted. In that startling moment, everything seems to freeze. Once breath reenters the body, there is reassessment, reinvention and an attempt to continue forward. The disruption acknowledges fear and mortality and yet offers an opportunity to explore human resilience.

These thoughts are triggered by the fascinating works created by Chicago Fine Artist, Deanna Krueger, currently on view at the Olympia Centre, located at 737 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I’ve known Krueger for a number of years and have exhibited with her on numerous occasions. The surfaces that she creates are both abruptly haunting… with shards joined by thousands of staples—and peacefully mesmerizing as the multi-faceted surfaces, glisten like a tranquil lake in the moonlight.

Krueger works in metaphor. She offers the viewer an unspoken narrative with her large-format wall pieces that exist somewhere between a two-dimensional painting and three-dimensional sculpture. She alludes to a storyline, simply by her choice of materials. Utilizing medical diagnostic film—an obsolete material that was used to obtain detailed sectional images of the internal structure of the body—now extinct due to the technology of medical digital imagery. Krueger applies loose layers of paint over the film and then shreds the visual evidence of the medical findings. The aggressive invader—that has been caught on film—is disguised and denied. The film is painted, torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create beautifully semi-reflective multi-faceted surface. The final piece is so much more then the sum of the individual parts. The shimmering surface creates a mesmerizing, gem-like appearance reminiscent of the flickering mosaics. Krueger implies a life torn apart and pieced back together—better than it began. The work implies both a physical and psychological transition.

But is this truly the artist’s intention or just an observer’s projection? Sometimes the viewer can only bring to a work of art, their own experience. Sometimes you have to look elsewhere to be able to comprehend the realities of life.

If you’ve never experienced the work of Deanna Krueger—or met the artist in person—here is your opportunity. “Deanna Kruger: Shards” which opened to the public in March, continues through May 31. A Reception for the artist is scheduled for Thursday, May 12 from 4:30 to 7pm. Olympia Centre is located at 737 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago… Enter via 151 E. Chicago Avenue. The exhibition is free an open to the public. The space is open everyday from 8:30am to 7pm. This is a “must see” exhibition.

Deanna Krueger, Thalassa-detail

Michigan born, Chicago Artists, Deanna Krueger has exhibited at the Museum of Santa Severa – Italy, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, Berliner Liste, Aqua Art Miami, Rockford Art Museum, Gallery UNO Projektraum in Neukölln – Berlin, and numerous other venues. Her work has been included into corporate, private, university, and museum collections around the United States and in Europe. She received her BFA Summa Cum Laude from the University of Michigan in 2002, MFA from Eastern Michigan University in 2004, and studied abroad in Italy in spring 2003. She has received several awards, professional development grants, and has completed residencies at Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts in Saratoga, Wyoming, The Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, Illinois, and at Contemporary Artists Center in North Adams, Massachusetts.

Meditative Surfaces ~ The Art Center-Highland Park

Doug Fogelson, “Dirt (Illinois)”, Photogram / Ed. of 6, 24" x 20"

Save the Date: Friday, May 22, 6:30-9pm

The always evolving fine art exhibition "Meditative Surfaces" will be presented at The Art Center-Highland Park from May 7 through July 10 with an open reception on Friday, May 22 from 6:30-9pm. This exhibition brings together the work of six-very different-fine artists with a visually reoccurring theme of variations on repetition. The show is comprised of two painters; Charles Gniech & Rebecca Moy, a mixed media artist; Deanna Krueger, two photographers; Maggie Meiners & Doug Fogelson, and sculptor; Josh Garber.
 
Originally presented as a three-person exhibition exhibited at Schoenherr Art Gallery, North Central College; Naperville, Illinois in 2009, the work invited the audience to "lose themselves" in the surface patterns and textures the meditative acrylic paintings of Charles Gniech, the mixed media imagery of Deanna Krueger and the abstract photography of Maggie Meiners. The updated show has further evolved to present the most current works of the original three and to explore new objects of interest including the tactile aluminum sculpture of Josh Garber, photograms in saturated hues by Doug Fogelson, and the whimsical and organically complex paintings by Rebecca Moy.
 
It's true that a picture is worth a thousand words... The exhibition is a journey that offers a glimpse into each individual artist's life through the experience of his or her personal passion.  While each piece of art offers a unique visual experience, the work comes together to offer a grander message—one of sanctuary, inner piece and harmony. As with a dramatic sunrise, Not at all quite and reserved, the show presents visuals evoking every emotion. Color palettes range from peacefully subtle muted tones to brilliant saturated hues. And as in nature, the forms range from organic to aggressive.

A public reception for “Meditative Surfaces” will be held at The Art Center-Highland Park on Friday, May 22 from 6:30-9. The Art Center-Highland Park is located at 1957 Sheridan Road in Highland Park, Illinois. Gallery Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am–4:30pm and Sunday, by appointment. All work in the exhibition is available for purchase. The exhibition continues through July 10.

The Art Center-Highland Park is dedicated to promoting the appreciation of contemporary fine art through exhibitions by both established and emerging artists. We foster creativity through the experience and discussion of fine art and offer extensive educational opportunities through a broad range of classes, panel discussions, workshops and lectures. A nonprofit organization, The Art Center-Highland Park connects artists with the community at large—supporting creativity at every level. 

Doug Fogelson (Born Chicago 1970) studied photography at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago. His photographic manipulations are displayed in notable public and private collections such as The J. Paul Getty Center, The Museum of Contemporary Photography, The Cleveland Clinic and exhibited with esteemed galleries. He has been recognized by publications including Art News,Photo District News, Art Forum, and AfterImage. Doug Fogelson founded Front Forty Press, an award-winning independent fine art publishing company, and has taught in the Photography Department of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is an advocate for the fine arts and social/ecological sustainability.

Josh Garber, “Turn”, Powder Coated Welded Aluminum, 39 x 36 x 34"

Josh Garber (Born 1963) works and lives and Chicago. He is a recipient of the Canada Council B Grant and Pollock-Krasner grant and has completed public commissions in Phoenix, Chicago and Cincinnati. After receiving his BFA from Alfred University, Garber participated in The Kohler and Sculpture Space residencies. Currently he is represented with Zolla/Lieberman Gallery in Chicago, Turner Carroll Gallery in Santa Fe and Melissa Morgan in Palm Desert, CA. 

Charles Gniech, “Anomaly”, Acrylic on Canvas, 40” x 60”

Charles Gniech (Born: Chicago 1962) lives and works in Chicago. He holds a Master of Fine Art degree with an emphasis in painting and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in illustration, both from Northern Illinois University. While teaching, curating, and consulting, Gniech continues to paint—exhibiting at the national level. His work has been repeatedly presented at both The Rockford Art Museum and The Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Gniech’s paintings have been acquired for numerous public and private collections, with a large canvas recently purchased for the Permanent Collection of The Fort Wayne Museum of Art. His work is represented by Bluestone Gallery in Philadelphia and Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan. 

Deanna Krueger, “Neptune” Mixed Media, 63” x 63”

Born and raised in Michigan (1965) and currently living in Chicago, Deanna Krueger is an Instructor at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, teaching courses in painting and design. Krueger holds a Master of Fine Art degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Michigan. She has been awarded artist residencies at Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts in Saratoga, WY, at Ragdale in Lake Forest, IL, and at Contemporary Artist Center In North Adams, MA. Krueger’s work has been exhibited nationally as well as internationally with exhibits in Berlin and Rome. A solo exhibition of Krueger’s work was presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago in 2010, and at Wright Gallery at College of Lake County in 2015. Krueger’s work has been acquired for a number of public and private collections including a recent acquisition for the Permanent Collection of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Maggie Meiners, “Untitled #3”, Photographic Print, 10” x 10”

Maggie Meiners (Born: Chicago 1972) work has most recently been seen as part of the Chicago Project-Catherine Edelman Gallery, the Anne Loucks Gallery in Glencoe and is currently up at HBF Textiles in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. She has also exhibited at various museums and colleges around the country. Maggie’s work is included in numerous public and private collections including, Harrison Street Lofts, Wheaton College, and The Illinois Institute of Art. Meiners currently serves on the Board of the Filter Photo Festival, is a member of the Advisory Committee at the Museum of Contemporary Photography and is the Founder of Co-Star Collective. Meiners grew up outside of Chicago and continues to have her work regularly featured at galleries, executive offices and private collections.

Rebecca Moy, “Aquatic”, Acrylic on Canvas, 44” x 48” 

Rebecca Moy (Born: 1980, LaGrange, Illinois), is a 2003 graduate of Columbia College Chicago where she studied visual arts management. Since, Rebecca has completed a visual arts residency at River East Art Center, Chicago; worked with the Field Museum for live painting exhibitions and has had the honor of exhibiting solo at the prestigious Union League Club, Chicago, Illinois Institute of Art, Park Schreck Gallery, Curly Tale Fine Art, Heir Gallery and Orland Park Public Library, IL and several other group exhibitions. Rebecca’s paintings are in the permanent collections of Neiman Marcus, The Dana Hotel, Resonant Legal Media, Northwestern Mutual, MD2 International, and several privately owned. Rebecca simultaneously works on private commissions and is in the beginning of a new series entitled “Aphasia” which directly addresses the experience of losing a parent in her unique sense of color and composition.

Charles Gniech ~ Gallery H, Three Oaks, MI

Installation View: Gallery H, Three Oaks, Michigan 

Left to right, work by: Charles Gniech, Deanna Krueger, Charles Gniech,
table sculpture by Len Cowgill

Last week, Nancy Hoffman—the owner of Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan—came to my studio to review work for an upcoming group exhibition. Nancy and I have a long history—we've been friends for more then a decade. Over the years, she has done a wonderful job representing my work in the Chicago/Michigan market... I was excited to show her the work that I've been producing. By the conclusion of our meeting, she had selected nine pieces for the show. This past Saturday morning, I drove out to Gallery H to deliver the paintings. 

I spent the day with Nancy and her assistant, Elisha, installing the exhibition. The show includes work by: Ellen Cocose, Len Cowgill, Sheila Ganch, Andrea Harris, Deanna Krueger, Tom Matucci, Sheila Oettinger, Francine Turk and myself. The work flows together seamlessly with a [generally] muted color palette—exploring obsessive patterns and textures which leave the viewer absorbed in introspection. The show will be up through July so if you're looking for one more reason to explore Harbor Country, here it is.

Installation View: Gallery H, Three Oaks, Michigan 
Left to right, work by: Ellen Cocose, Charles Gniech, Sheila Oettinger

Gallery H is located at 15 South Elm Street in Three Oaks, Michigan. Hours are: Fridays 12pm–5pm / Saturdays 12pm–5pm EST / Sundays 12pm–4pm EST. Learn more at galleryh.net 

Meditative Surfaces ~ ArtScene ~ Fort Wayne Museum of Art

I spent this past Friday night with Maggie Meiners and Deanna Krueger, at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, speaking about our Meditative Surfaces exhibition currently on display in the museum's Regional Artists Gallery. The exhibition space is pristine yet approachable and the  presentation of the work is beautifully curated. About twenty local art enthusiasts attended the lecture—wanting to learn more about the show's genesis as well as our individual artistic journeys.

Meditative Surfaces continues through January 19th at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The Museum is located at 311 E. Main Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10-6, Thursday 10-8, and Sunday 12-5. Admission is free to members, $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors 65 and over. The museum offers free general admission every Thursday from 5-8 and Sunday. Learn more at: fwmoa.org

ArtScene at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art: Meditative Surfaces

Deanna Krueger, "Otekaike", Mixed Media, 54x72"

In just a few weeks, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will be hosting "Meditative Surfaces"—a three-person exhibition comprised of work by Deanna Krueger, Maggie Meiners and myself. The exhibition will be presented in the Contemporary Regional Gallery from November 9 through January 19. Meditative Surfaces presents work created with both traditional and experimental techniques—yet all of the pieces explore unique personal content. The diversity of inspiration includes: X-Ray and MRI diagnostic imagery, mixed-media, self-analysis through photographic childhood contemplations and the prehistoric megaliths of Great Britain.

 

Maggie Meiners, "Slick" C-Print, 40x40"

On Friday, November 15th, Krueger, Meiners and myself will be in Fort Wayne to take part in the ArtScene lecture series. ArtScene is a dynamic program featuring living artists and curators discussing their work in contemporary life through diverse topics such as motivations, struggles, influences, life experiences, and artistic inspirations.

ArtScene: Meditative Surfaces will be presented on November 15 at 6:30pm. The event is free to FWMoA Members. There is a $5 fee for non-members.

The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is located in downtown Fort Wayne on Main Street next to the Arts United Center at the corner of Main and Lafayette. The Museum offers convenient parking behind the building, and is fully handicap accessible. The museum is open: Sunday, 12-5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am - 6pm, and Thursday 10am-8 pm.

 

 Charles Gniech "Wave Watching" acrylic on canvas, 40x60"

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Born and raised in Michigan and currently living in Chicago, Deanna Krueger is an Instructor at Northeastern Illinois University, teaching courses in painting and design. Krueger holds a Master of Fine Art degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan. She has been a Visiting Artist at various Colleges and Universities around the mid-west, including The University of Michigan, Portland College in Champaign, Illinois, and Robert Morris College in Chicago. Krueger’s work has been exhibited nationally as well as internationally with exhibits in Berlin and Rome. A Solo exhibition of Krueger’s work will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, during the 2010 exhibition season.


Born in Chicago, IL, Maggie Meiners had a suburban upbringing, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from University of Colorado-Boulder, and a Master of Education degree from De Paul University in Chicago, Illinois. She now resides outside of Chicago. Although Meiners is primarily a self-taught photographer, she devours books on art and photography, has taken workshops with Diane Kittle, Lauren Henkin, and Norman Mauskopf, and relies on a number of mentors to help her hone her creative and photographic skills. Meiners tends to find interest in objects that most people would overlook… and presents those subjects in her photography. It doesn’t necessarily matter what the subject is, but whether or not it is open for interpretation. Her compositions are direct, to the point of appearing minimal, while her subject matter, conversely discloses significant complexity. Meiner’s work appears in numerous private and public collections, including: The Illinois Institute of Art, Harrison Street Lofts, and Wheaton College. Additionally, she has been the recipient of numerous awards and prizes, including the 2009 Ragdale Prize. Among other bodies of work, Meiners continues to produce pieces for her large scale “Childhood Contemplations” imagery. This abstract work—comprised of random color patterns—invites the viewer to enter into a meditative environment. This series was exhibited at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, in September 2008 and is currently touring with the work of Deanna Krueger and Charles Gniech.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Charles Gniech is a Professor of Art at The Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago. He holds a Master of Fine Art degree with an emphasis in painting and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in illustration, both from Northern Illinois University. While teaching, curating, consulting and freelancing, Gniech continues to paint and exhibits at the national level. His paintings focus on the meditative qualities of the stone circles found throughout Great Britain. Having explored many megalithic sites over the past twenty years, Gniech embraces the peaceful serenity of the mystical structures—a serenity that is reflected in his work. Images of his paintings may be seen on the web site: gniech.com The paintings of Charles Gniech have been included into various gallery and museum exhibitions. His work has been exhibited at The Rockford Art Museum, The Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and The Quincy Art Center. Represented by ZIA Gallery [Winnetka, IL] and Gallery H [Three Oaks, MI], Gniech’s paintings have been acquired for numerous public and private collections.

Meditative Surfaces ~ Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Charles Gniech, Watching Waves, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 60"

This fall, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will be presenting the three-person exhibition titled "Meditative Surfaces". Meditative Surfaces is a powerfully inspirational exhibition focusing on meditative surface patterns. The exhibition brings together the work of Mixed-media Artist; Deanna Krueger, Photographer; Maggie Meiners and my surface paintings. All of the included work was inspired by our own—very different—individual passions, yet the work comes together to present a united statement of introspection.

I've spent more then a two decades exploring the serene qualities of the prehistoric stone circles that are found throughout Great Britain. Most people are familiar with Stonehenge, yet there are areas concentrated with megalithic structures as far to the north as the Scottish Islands, and as far to the south-and west-as Cornwall. The largest complex of circles is just to the north of Stonehenge, at Avebury.

I am inspired by the patterns found on the massive prehistoric megaliths. I reference and manipulate these patterns to create tranquil imagery. My latest body of work is influenced by the meditative qualities of the fluid surface patterns found on these monuments. I have taken some artistic liberties, in the replication, manipulation and abstraction of the surface patterns found on these massive stone slabs, yet the work continues to convey the serene qualities regularly associated with nature and inner peace.

The two other artists presented in this exhibition are Mixed Media Artist, Deanna Krueger and Fine Art Photographer, Maggie Meiners.
 
Deanna Krueger produces powerful mixed media forms created from recycled medical diagnostic film layered with monotypes. The film is torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create various multi-faceted surfaces. The semi-reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing, gem-like quality. Krueger’s given titles hint at the conceptual nuances, which imply humanity’s collective search for meaning. Krueger explains:

“I am interested in humanity's collective search for meaning in the absurdity that is this life, and in the pleasure to be found in the various manifestations of that search.”

“…Serving as a marker of this time of transition, the materials speak to the recent evolution of information storage. When virtual documents replace paper, the lowly staple will become an artifact of an earlier information age. Modes of diagnostic imagery are shifting as well: X-Rays and MRI scans are increasingly being recorded solely in the digital realm.”

The large-scale abstract photographs of Maggie Meiners come from her “Childhood Contemplations” series. The mere size of these forty-inch square digital c-prints, allows the viewer to become engulfed by the imagery and to explore their inner mind. The various color patterns are meant to trigger memories on which to contemplate. In defining this body of work, Meiners explains:

“Although the use of blurred imagery seems to defy logic, this intentional shift in focus is meant to transfix and then transport the viewer to a mind space where memories run wild. Various spectrums of color are used as a guide to revisit and explore memories of the past.”

"Meditative Surfaces" will be exhibited at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art from November 13 through January 14th with a panel discussion scheduled for Friday, November 15th. More on that in future posts.
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Gallery H, Three Oaks, MI

Gallery H: Sheila Ganch sculpture, Charles Gniech: Anomaly, 40 x 60", acrylic on canvas

A number of years ago, I presented a series of large figurative paintings in a solo exhibition at the Fine Arts Building Gallery. The space included a secondary “members gallery” that presented one piece of work from each of the affiliated artists. After my solo show closed, I moved one the recently shown pieces—“The Actor Sleeps” to the “members gallery”. The substantial painting was eight-feet tall, four-feet wide, and dominated the space.

At the reception for the following exhibition—the work of Grace Cole, if I remember correctly—I was working the front desk. And that’s when I met Nancy Hoffman.

A beautiful woman approached me and asked about the very large painting in the members gallery. She asked me who the artist was and I smiled, extended my hand, and introduced myself. She responded in kind, and after some conversation, Nancy scheduled a meeting to see additional work. She later purchased “The Actor Sleeps” and with a common love for art, we became friends.

Nancy Hoffman is the Director of Gallery H in Three Oaks, Michigan. After seeing my recent exhibition at Gallery 180, she requested some of my work for her Michigan gallery. I was happy to be included. 

Gallery H: Sheila Oettinger, sculpture, Charles Gniech "Rise" 40 x 40" acrylic on canvas

I drove up to Three Oaks last week to deliver the work. Three Oaks is a little town located a few minutes over the Indiana – Michigan Border. The surrounding area is inhabited by the summer homes of Chicago’s affluent. The perfect getaway, Harbor Country offers its residents a quick and peaceful retreat from the chaos of their busy lives in the city. The area includes the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, plenty of restaurants, antiques, and—or course—fine art.

Being a Curator, I helped to install the current exhibition at Gallery H, which includes the work of Deanna Krueger, Richard Laurent, Sheila Ganch, Audry Cramblit and Andrea Harris. The various paintings and sculptures work seamlessly to create a space of peaceful contemplation. The superior quality of the fine art presented, has resulted in a stellar reputation for Hoffman and her gallery. If you have an opportunity to head up to Harbor Country, take the time to explore Gallery H located at 15 S. Elm, Three Oaks, Michigan. It’s worth the trip. 

Gallery H: Sheila Ganch sculpture in the foreground Charles Gniech paintings

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Deanna Krueger at ZIA Gallery

Deanna Krueger, "Merope" 36 x 36" acrylic monotype, staples and MRI film

One of my favorite artists, Deanna Krueger, is going to be exhibiting some new work at the ZIA Gallery in Winnetka. The exhibition runs from May 4 through June 16 with an Opening Reception on Friday, May 4 from 5-7:30... so save the date. Deanna Krueger will be presenting her Acrylic monotype-mixed media pieces, along side the Pop-inspired, mixed media works on paper, created by Carl Wilen. It should be a wonderful exhibition.

If you don't know of Krueger's work, she produces powerful mixed media forms created from recycled medical diagnostic film layered with monotypes. The film is torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create multi-faceted surfaces. These semi-reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing, gem-like appearance. Krueger explains:

I work abstractly at the juncture where sculpture and painting intersect. The resulting pieces are hybrids. The process for my current series begins with recycled medical diagnostic film layered with acrylic monotype prints. The film is then torn apart and the shards are reconnected into new configurations using thousands of staples. The visual aesthetic is at once high-tech and primordial. It evokes a multitude of associations: aquatic life forms, otherworldly geological formations, surreal vegetation, scientific images of the miniscule, visions of the cosmos. I am interested in humanity’s search for meaning in this life, and in the pleasure to be found in the various manifestations of that search.

Don't miss this exhibition. The ZIA Gallery is located at 548 Chestnut Street in Winnetka. Additional information can be found on their web site at ZIAgallery.net
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Sheridan Road ~ ZIA Gallery

It’s always nice to receive recognition for the work you create as an artist. About a month ago, Maggie Meiners, Deanna Krueger and myself met with writer, Laura M. Browning and photographer, Jim Prisching at the ZIA gallery to discus our upcoming exhibition. Browning and Prisching work for Sheridan Road Magazine and were meeting with us to learn about “Reflections” the three-person exhibition presented at ZIA Gallery through March 19th.

The wonderfully written single-page article—complete with color images—gives a little insight into our individual bodies of work and concludes by pointing out that each of us is actually just attempting to find peace within the chaos of modern life. Browning concludes the article by pointing out, “…Each artist’s work is about fragmentation and about reflection, about giving something back to its audience.” The article is beautifully written and the portrait by Prisching is wonderful. Images from the exhibition are available at ZIAgallery.net
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ZIA Gallery ~ The Missed Reception

It’s highly unusual that I don’t make it to the opening reception of a local exhibition that includes my own work. In fact, I think that this was a first.

Last Friday, ZIA Gallery in Winnetka, opened a three-person exhibition titled “Reflections”, which presented my acrylic paintings along side of the photographic imagery of Maggie Meiners and the mixed media pieces of Deanna Krueger. Painfully, a respiratory infection kept me in bed. Feeling miserable, I knew that there was no way to attend the event. Waiting until the last minute—hoping that I might feel better, I made a call to the gallery and my apologetic words came out sounding a bit like a toad… they understood.

The following day, I received a few calls from supporters concerned at my absence. I was told that the reception was well attended and that the exhibition looked great. So today—a week later and feeling a bit better—I headed up to ZIA Gallery to experience the show for myself. I was pleased. Anne Hough, the Gallery Manager, did a wonderful job presenting the work. We chatted for a bit and discussed the variety of press that the show received. I’ll be sharing some of that in future posts.

If you have an opportunity to head up to the north shore of Chicago, visit ZIA Gallery at 548 Chestnut. The show continues through March 19th.
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Reflections: Opening This Friday at ZIA Gallery

Opening, this Friday at Zia Gallery in Winnetka, Illinois, is a three-person exhibition titled "Reflections". The show is the culmination of work by Maggie Meiners, Deanna Krueger and myself. From the press release, Anne Hughes [Gallery Manager] defines the exhibition...

Each artist employs a different process and medium to develop bodies of work, which involve reflection. The photographic imagery of Maggie Meiners depicts direct, symbolic constructs of self, while Gniech uses both the process of painting and his abstracted interpretations of previously human-interpreted natural forms to evoke meditation. Deanna Krueger combines a high-tech, medical diagnostic film with a hands-on, seemingly crude manipulation of materials to arrive at a sophisticated, shimmering reconstruction.

“Reflections” will be presented at ZIA Gallery through March 19. The Opening Reception will take place on Friday, February 4, from 5-7:30pm. Zia Gallery is located at 548 Chestnut Street in the village of Winnetka — just seventeen miles north of Chicago with easy access from the Winnetka Metra Station.

ZIA Gallery specializes in contemporary American photography, painting and works on paper. The gallery represents established and emerging artists in a range of styles and media with eight exhibitions annually. For additional information, contact Anne Hughes, Gallery Manager, at 847.446.3970 or via ZIAgallery.net
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Deanna Krueger ~ Another Review

There were two reviews of the Deanna Krueger "Fields" Exhibition, which were published today... One in the Chicago Tribune and the other in Chicago Art Magazine. I wanted to share the latter, which was written by Caitlin Schriner. It reads as follows:

Gallery 180 is situated street view on the corner of Lake and Wabash. Next to the windowed Culinary Arts department of the Illinois Art Institute, the gallery draws crowds of viewers who wander past the whippings and mixings next door.

From outside Deanna Krueger’s collection Fields appear to be large-scale color-scapes on unscratched canvases. The colors are fluid and the spectrum well-covered over the seven piece exhibit. If you can find your way into the gallery (the entrance is located two window fronts down and through the admissions department) you’ll find that Krueger’s pieces are not paintings, but are rather mosaics created from reconstructed diagnostic film monotypes.

Held together with staples, the pieces lift from the wall and bring dimensionality back to the 2-D world of painting. The staples look like rudimentary stitches mending torn landscapes, recreating, as the title suggests, a collection of fields. With titles like Sencha and Elysium Krueger hints toward her inspirations. While the titles and their accompanying stories are interesting, with most of the traffic outside of the windows, they are only fruitful for those who manage to find their way into the gallery, and not fully necessary in order to enjoy the patchwork of color Kruger has filled the corner gallery with.

Overall the pieces are best suited to their location. While the materials are interesting, the true beauty in Kruger’s work is Monet-like, and found in distance. A treat for the Wabash foot-traffic, Fields will be on display at Gallery 180 at 180 N. Wabash through June 3, 2010.

"Lunar", Acrylic monotypes on medical diagnostic film, staples 54x63", 2010
$4,500

Detail at top of post

A Review of the Krueger Exhibition at Gallery 180

There was a wonderful review of the Deanna Krueger Exhibition, currently on display at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The review was printed in the May 6th edition of NewCity and was written by Critic, Michael Weinstein. From the website:

"In a tour de force of extreme transformation, Deanna Krueger appropriates diagnostic MRI films, rips them into shards, staples them together, and overlays them with monotypes to produce glistening abstractions in red, ice blue, gold, gray, brown and tea green. From a distance, Krueger’s photo-works are assertively attractive by virtue of their jagged textures and glass-like surfaces, but on closer inspection they reveal worlds teeming with detail that never betray any pattern or overall meaning, but involve the eye in the plays of line and form in each sector of the surface. Krueger drapes her works unprepossessingly on the gallery’s walls without frames—anything more would detract from their self-standing integrity. She titles them with references to astral bodies, flora and precious stones, but viewers are better off ignoring that new-age flourish and looking instead for the way that they open the doors of perception to exquisite psychedelic experience."

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. The Krueger exhibition runs through June 3rd.

Deanna Krueger ~ Fields

"Fields", the Deanna Krueger exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will be installed tomorrow. The exhibition presents powerful mixed media forms created from recycled medical diagnostic film layered with monotypes. The film is torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create various multi-faceted surfaces. The semi-reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing, gem-like quality. Krueger's given titles hint at the conceptual nuances, which imply humanity's collective search for meaning.

Drop by Gallery 180 to experience this exhibition Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. A catered reception will be held on Friday, April 23rd from 5:30-7:30. The reception is open to the general public and all works are 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. The Krueger exhibition runs through June 3rd.

Additional work by Deanna Krueger may be seen at: deannakrueger.com

Glistening "Fields" ~ New work by Deanna Krueger

Save the date... Friday, April 23rd, 5:30-7:30pm

In just a few weeks, "Fields" by Deanna Krueger will open at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Krueger produces powerful mixed media forms created from recycled medical diagnostic film layered with monotypes. The film is torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create multi-faceted surfaces. These semi-reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing, gem-like appearance.

A loose and contemporary interpretation of the Color Field Paintings of the fifties and sixties, appropriately, Krueger draws upon the word “Fields” as a jumping off point for this particular body of work. The various meanings of the word can evoke actual, theoretical and—of course—technological implications. The latter reference speaks to the collection of data, which reflects back to Krueger’s intriguing choice of discarded medical film as creative material. Krueger offers insight of her creations with each given title—many referring to elements within science and technology with secondary implications to humanity’s search for understanding and purpose. Krueger explains:

"I am interested in humanity's collective search for meaning in the absurdity that is this life.” “…Serving as a marker of this time of transition, the materials speak to the recent evolution of information storage. When virtual documents replace paper, the lowly staple will become an artifact of an earlier information age. Modes of diagnostic imagery are shifting as well: X-Rays and MRI scans are increasingly being recorded solely in the digital realm."

Mocking obsolescence and questioning the purpose of life and death, the glistening imagery offers memorizing surfaces on which to focus, meditate and contemplate. The work of Deanna Krueger will be presented at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago through June 3rd. This exhibition is free and open to the public. Works are available for purchase. Gallery 180 is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-5.

Image: Deanna Krueger, "Sencha" - Detail, mixed media, 63"x 63", 2010

The "Meditative Surfaces" Reception...

Last Friday night's reception for the "Meditative Surfaces" exhibition was really quite wonderful. Not only did some of my favorite artists attend—Paula Kloczkowski Luberda and Richard Laurent seen above at left—but I had some wonderful conversations with old friends and also met some new—very interesting—people. Nickole Lanham, the Gallery Director of the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College, was wonderful to work with and she produced an amazing reception. The environment was festive as well as stimulating ...and the food was delicious.

The "Meditative Surfaces" exhibition continues through August 21st. The show highlights the work of Maggie Meiners, Deanna Krueger as well as my own. The Schoenherr Art Gallery is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue in Naperville, Illinois 60566. All of the exhibited works are available for purchase.

The Installation...

I spent much of yesterday with Gallery Director, Nickole Lanham, hanging and lighting the "Meditative Surfaces" exhibition in the Schoenherr Gallery of North Central College. The show—consisting of substantial wall hangings by Deanna Krueger, large-scale photographs by Maggie Meiners and a variety of my surface paintings—is meant to spark interest through the variety of media while using the cohesive concept of surface patterns to engage the viewer. Connections of color and color shifts are used as transitions to introduce the viewer to adjacent work.  The meditative qualities of the work is relaxing as the viewer wanders through the exhibition.

The opening reception for "Meditative Surfaces" is Friday, July 24 from 6-8 at the Schoenherr Art Gallery of North Central College. The reception is free and open to the public. The seventeen works included in the exhibition are available for purchase. The Schoenherr Art Gallery is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue in Naperville, Illinois 60566. The exhibit continues through August 21.

Meditative Surfaces... July 24th Reception

Image: Charles Gniech, Meditation III, 2009, acrylic on canvas, 48x36"

"Meditative Surfaces" will be on exhibit at the Schoenherr Art Gallery of North Central College in Naperville, Illinois from July 24 through August 21 with an opening reception on Friday, July 24 from 6-8pm. The reception is free and open to the public. An overview from the press release follows:

This is a powerfully inspirational exhibition focusing on meditative surface patterns. The exhibition brings together the work of Painter; Charles Gniech, Mixed-media Artist; Deanna Krueger, and Photographer; Maggie Meiners. These three Artists are inspired by their own—very different—individual passions, yet the work comes together to present a united statement of introspection.

Influenced—for more then a decade—by the hundreds of the pre-historic stone circles throughout Great Britain, Charles Gniech is inspired by the natural stone patterns found on the surface of Megaliths. Gniech references and manipulates these patterns to create meditative imagery on which to ponder. Defining his work, Gniech explains:

“I have spent more then a decade exploring the meditative qualities of the prehistoric stone circles of Great Britain. Britain is littered with more then four-hundred and thirty of these prehistoric sites... most people are familiar with Stonehenge, yet there are areas concentrated with megalithic structures as far to the north as the Scottish Islands, and as far to the south-and west-as Cornwall. The largest complex of circles is just to the north of Stonehenge, at Avebury. My latest body of work is influenced by the meditative qualities of the fluid surface patterns found on some of these monuments. I have taken some artistic liberties, in the replication, manipulation and abstraction of the surface patterns found on these massive stone slabs, yet the work continues to convey the serene qualities regularly associated with nature and inner peace.”

Above: Deanna Krueger, Echo, mixed media, 69x61" detail

Deanna Krueger produces powerful mixed media forms created from recycled medical diagnostic film layered with monotypes. The film is torn, repositioned, and then stapled together to create various multi-faceted surfaces. The semi-reflective surfaces create a mesmerizing, gem-like quality. Krueger’s given titles hint at the conceptual nuances, which imply humanity’s collective search for meaning. Krueger explains:

“I am interested in humanity's collective search for meaning in the absurdity that is this life, and in the pleasure to be found in the various manifestations of that search.”

“…Serving as a marker of this time of transition, the materials speak to the recent evolution of information storage. When virtual documents replace paper, the lowly staple will become an artifact of an earlier information age. Modes of diagnostic imagery are shifting as well: X-Rays and MRI scans are increasingly being recorded solely in the digital realm.”

Above: Maggie Meiners, Slick, c-print, 40x40"

The large-scale abstract photographs of Maggie Meiners come from her “Childhood Contemplations” series. The mere size of these forty-inch square digital c-prints, allows the viewer to become engulfed by the imagery and to explore their inner mind. The various color patterns are meant to trigger memories on which to contemplate. In defining this body of work, Meiners explains:

“Although the use of blurred imagery seems to defy logic, this intentional shift in focus is meant to transfix and then transport the viewer to a mind space where memories run wild. Various spectrums of color are used as a guide to revisit and explore memories of the past.”

"Meditative Surfaces" will be on exhibit at the Schoenherr Art Gallery of North Central College from July 24 through August 21 with an opening reception on July 24 from 6-8pm. The reception is free and open to the public. The Schoenherr Art Gallery is located at 171 E. Chicago Avenue in Naperville, Illinois 60566