RECOMMENDED “Photogenetics.” That the likeness of a person may be simultaneously hideous and gorgeous is demonstrated to powerful effect by “Photogenetics,” an exhibit of new work by Ida Applebroog. In her first solo show in Chicago since the 1980s, she proves to be a profound and sensitive artist who more than merits her international fame; here the absolute command of an innovative, demanding technique in the service of a haunting expressiveness all but overwhelms. The key to this triumph would seem to be a deep involvement with her subjects and her commitment to a painstaking process; only after a series of stages—which include clay modeling, photography, print-screening and painting—do their mixed media portraits come into aesthetic being. They are labor-intensive, yet also strangely ethereal; and though verging on the grotesque, even ghoulish, they move through their emotional acuity and humanity. Applebroog’s way with eyes and mouths is particularly?striking; in one of the two “Brians” on display, a railroad-track scar bisects the brows of one who sees feelingly, while the smile of her “Monalisa” is a squashed strawberry. Emerging from a charged tension between transparency and painterly texture that evinces complex skill, these pictures reward repeated, lingering looks. (Sean Francis) Through October 27 at ROWLANDCONTEMPORARY
For Us: A Review of "Something from Something" at Engage Projects Kushala Vora and Adia Sykes’ collaboration "Something from Something" tells us as viewers that knowledge, art, creation, inspiration, love—really anything you can think of—has a place of origin.
Looking Down: A Review of Bob Tanner at Perspective After the loss of his wife, Bob Tanner made two photography series, “At Ocean’s Edge” and “At Winter’s Edge,” that are shown in this meditative show filled with graceful visual poetry.
Women Behind the Lens: A Review of "From Her to Eternity" Courtney Love curates on the street. Just west of Wabash on the corner of Eighth Street, there is a wall of stellar rock star images that includes a special collection made by women photographers over the years.
Microcosm: A Review of “Dialogues” at Patron Through each artist-relationship, "Dialogues" offers the viewer a rare opportunity to witness the direct connections that flow through the electric nervous system that both infiltrates and generates Chicago's art world.
