Where we have been, before we go: Opening Reception & Gallery Talk

Curator:

Jennifer Scheuer  

Featured Artists:

Anne Beidler, John Bergmeier, Ed Bernstein, Kaitlyn Collyer, Benjy Davies, Pamela Drix, Fred Hagstrom, Raluca Iancu, Eleanor Jensen, Kathryn Maxwell, Katherine Miller, Greg Page, Minna Resnick, Mary Robinson, Nick Ruth, Carrie Scanga, Jennifer Scheuer, Hannah Skoonberg, Taro Takizawa, Ruth Weisberg

Where we have been, before we go features twenty prints that investigate the art making process as a progressive and ever-evolving exercise. Twenty artists were each asked to produce new work in the form of a diptych that reflects their own current artistic practice in contrast with their earlier artistic aesthetics, themes or processes. How does self-perception affect artistic creation?

This exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists from across the country, many exhibiting for the first time in Chicago. Participants represent a broad range of artistic approaches and careers. This portfolio of prints utilizes many print processes including screenprinting, lithography, relief, photographic processes, and more.

In addition to the flat prints on paper, the portfolio incorporates a decisive book arts component. Each portfolio is packaged with book binding supplies and instructions. Participating artist is charged with manipulating the prints to a unique drum leaf book, each deciding how they prefer to sequence the images. This process highlights the role of personal interpretation, narration, and perspective. The “Where we have been, before we go” exhibition features just one solution of how the book can be assembled.

The portfolio was organized in conjunction with the 2017 Southern Graphics International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The drum leaf book will be donated to Cornell Universities’ Fine Arts Library as a book available for checkout through their new book arts collection program.

Where we have been, before we go will kick-off with a Gallery Talk at 6:00 p.m. on June 16th, followed by the Opening Reception. The exhibition runs through August 5, 2017. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5pm, or by appointment. Where we have been, before we go was selected by the Spudnik Press Member Exhibitions Committee.

Image by Fred Hagstrom