Rhodius: fallen hero of Troy. One of the pieces on display at the museum
The Illinois State Museum, Springfield IL, Mar 23 -Aug 31 2014 Opening reception: March 27, 5:30-7:30 502 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL
The other group show I’m in, Fragile Relations: Art, Nature and Environment, has been touring the Illinois State Museum’s network of galleries since Oct 2012, when it opened in the Chicago Gallery. It was then at the Lockport Gallery from May 25 – October 25, 2013, and now opens at the main
A review of the show from The Southern
“Fragile Relations” is the newly installed, contemporary art exhibition organized by Jane Stevens at the Illinois State Museum. The exhibit will have an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, and will be on display through March 15. The exhibition highlights the work of 14 Illinois artists inspired by nature and the environment. The artists delve into both the personal or shared environments. Many of the artists recycle materials that most people would discard and through a process of reclaiming, they transform the objects into works of art. Mary Ellen Croteau’s work uses plastic waste material, such as plastic bags and bottle caps, to make works of art. Carole Komarek’s fish pieces use found objects from earlier times. Michele Stutts’ Cabrini-Green Project Series, uses found objects that are surviving remnants from the housing project’s demolition aftermath. Toby Zallman uses materials as metaphors to express psychological content. She contrasts structures and textures and addresses the impact discarded plastics will have on the environment and technological culture. Three artists incorporate natural materials into their work: Denise Bellezzo, Barbara Cooper and Donna Hapac.
Five photographers explore the world through their camera lens: Xavier Nuez, Jeff Crisman, Jean Sousa, Nora Lloyd and Marjorie David. Alex Lopez’s mixed media video installation invites the audience to experience an environment that is both beautiful and slightly disturbing. Exhibition curator Jane Stevens remarks “We all experience both private and public landscapes and it is my hope that we will create nurturing spaces where life can survive and grow.” The Southern Illinois Art & Artisans Center, located six miles north of Benton just west of Exit of 77, has free admission and is wheelchair-accessible. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 618-629-2220 for more information.
Some recent press:
At the opening reception of my solo show at Elmhurst College a few months ago, reporter Haleema Shaw interviewed me for Vocalo 90.7 FM (CHI) for the show Morning Amp hosted by Brian Babylon and Molly Adams. Have a listen: Urban Artistry: Haleema Shaw talks to photographer Xavier Nuez
The VAIVEN group photography show in DC had some further press since my last post.
-RTVE is the leading online Spanish media site with over 16 million unique users. They put together a nice a/v piece: Fotógrafos de ida y vuelta entre España y EE.UU
-El Confidencial, a daily online Spanish magazine based in Madrid: España y EEUU intercambian miradas a través del objetivo de 6 fotógrafos
–Todo Arte, a Spanish culture magazine dedicated to all art disciplines. SPAIN arts & culture participa en FotoWeekDC con VAIVÉN
-Takoma Park CityTV, Noticias Culturales
-Que Pintamos en el Mundo, an online art magazine based in Spain: VAIVEN: Seis recorridos visuales de ida y vuelta entre España y los EE.UU
Alleys and Ruins book in development!
I’m developing an Alleys and Ruins book with author and reporter J. Michael Welton, who has written about art, architecture and design for The New York Times, Interior Design and The Washington Post. He also writes and edits the online magazine Architects + Artisans.
In this digital age, there are new obstacles to publishing a real paper book, but we believe that an Alleys and Ruins coffee table book, with big lush photos on quality paper would look fantastic and would be a big hit!
To push this ahead, in today’s day and age, we need sponsors. I’ll be putting a proposal together for anyone interested on how you can help get this published, while getting a lot back in return.
More on this later, but feel free to email me with questions, ideas …. a sponsorship!! :D