The People’s Pamphlets–Opening Reception

The People’s Pamphlets is a risograph edition of 25 tri-fold pamphlets by contemporary artists. Brochures are not thematically oriented, rather they animate the interests of each individual artist in a wildly disparate, fantastically in-cohesive manner.

While digitally distributed media has fast usurped pen and paper as a means of communication, certain public spaces remain deeply hospitable to the dynamism and efficacy of print media. Festivals, welcome centers, information kiosks, transit depots, shopping hubs and the like remain stocked with brochures, bi-folds, tri-folds, pamphlets, fliers, and circulars—all free for the indiscriminate taking.

As a curatorial endeavor, the People’s Pamphlets is situated within of history of the artist-brochure in the broader context of artists’ books and ephemera, and considers the continued relevance of print within sites of spectacle, tourism or travel – particularly as these spaces themselves continue to digitize. To that end, the project also operates within the broader history of cultural “festivalism” which has deep roots in grand tours, world’s fairs, biennials and, more recently, trade expositions and art fairs. The name is a nod to the Chicago Cultural Center, which was once coined the “People’s Palace” and remains central a destination for culture and…pamphlets.

Curated by Jessica Cochran. Exhibition Design by Rachel Foster.

Pamphlets By:

Conrad Bakker / Judith Brotman / Phaedra Call / Johanna Drucker /  Gurl Don’t Be Dumb / Rachel Foster / Krista Franklin  / Dianna Frid / Maria Gaspar / Lise Haller Baggesen Ross / Kelly Lloyd / Adelheid Mers / Michael Milano / Cathy Alva Mooses / Melissa Potter / Jilian Bruschera / Adam Pantić (Pulp & Pastry) / Ernesto Pujol / Academy Records / Maddie Reyna / Ryan Richey / Eric Ruschman / Fred Sasaki / Kyle Schlie / Leonardo  Selvaggio / Shaan Syed / Sonja Thomsen / Ian Weaver    

Corresponding Events:

The People’s Pamphlet Pamphlet-Making Workshop
Saturday, October 17, 2015, 2-5pm
Guest Artist and Publisher: Kyle Schlie
Donation-based Workshop; $20 Suggested

Huge Art Show and Open Studios
Friday, November 6, 2015, 6-10pm
Hubbard Street Lofts
Free

The People’s Pamphlets is a 2015 Chicago Artist Month featured event. Leonardo Selvaggio is a 2015 Chicago Artist Month featured artist.

The exhibition runs through November 25th. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5pm, or by appointment.