Art Institute - Free Februarys

I think the title mostly explains this blog post, which is to tell anyone (er, all 9 of you) that doesn't already know about the Art Institute's "Free February" promotion! All month you can simply walk in and stroll the halls filled with such wonders as Untitled and Untitled. I understand that you may not know exactly how to explain your art/work/painting/sculpture, but can't you at least ATTEMPT a name? In contrast, every third painting in Italy is Madonna e bambino.

Irregardless of what you see or how long you go, try to make it to the 3rd floor of the modern wing, it's the European Contemporary rooms that make me happy. Lots of color, bold shapes, random sizes... who can resist a Picasso or a Matisse? Enjoy!

God Bless America @ 401 N Michigan

In light of the recent historic election, as well as the proximity of the inauguration, I thought I'd share an appropriately named sculpture that appeared in front of C's work a few weeks back. It's called "God Bless America" and is a truly monumental sculpture with people subjects over 25' tall!

It is a recent installation from artist J. Seward Johnson, Jr., who recreates famous works of art (paintings, photos, etc.) as life-sized statues to match the detail of the original work Check out his website for more information. During the fall, we were lucky enough to see "King Lear", though we didn't exactly know he was King Lear for a few weeks (insert sheepish grin here).

An obvious nod to "American Gothic" by artist Grant Wood, this sculpture is a larger-than-life replica of the iconic couple and pitchfork...I don't get the suitcase (which is only barely visible in the photograph here) but the look on the wife's face is the same solemn stare. Eerily close to the original.

Either way, it's very cool to have sculpture installations outside of your office. For that, 1 point for 401 N Michigan.

The Art of Obama

I read in article in one of the recent "2008 in Review"-type pieces that touched on the topic of all the art that has been inspired by Barack Obama and this long, historic election year specifically in Chicago. I found it really interesting because we totally bought into it all (being big Obama fans as well as loving art) and picked up a few local artists creations (t-shirts, posters, buttons).

Some people may not consider a large button or t-shirt art, but when designed by well-known artists for appreciation, isn't that an art form? Regardless, we bought enough stuff that our kids might think we're a little politically-obsessed (which we were) but they'll know we were passionate, right?

Then read this article today, which is appropriate for this post, but also just a really cool exhibit that I don't think would/did happen with a President-elect like McCain or Bush.

Dresses As Art

As I was walking down Michigan Avenue last weekend (you know the one, the Magnificent Mile), these darling dresses started popping up in small gardens on the west side of the street. Apparently they are part of an exhibition from the International Academy of Design and Technology. They dresses are made of rather strange materials (hair, anyone?) but done in such a beautiful way that you can't help but stop and gawk.

Way to go art students - I applaud your originality. Here are a few of my favorites.