RECOMMENDED This group show presents three political art practices, and like most worthwhile political movements, it elicits participation. The standout is the (RE) project by Phil Orr and Ryan Thompson. A clever adaptation of Bono’s RED campaign, the different stations encourage participation while providing insight into the peculiar celebrity culture of philanthropy. For instance, a brochure reminds us that Bono “thinks Africa is sexy and that people need to know that.” One station provides vinyl and scissors to create your own (RE)d product with a selection of donated red objects to be auctioned off later. Overall the DIY aesthetic and lucid presentation make it an extremely engrossing experience. Somewhat less compelling is Josh Greene’s “Service Works.” Mr. Greene donates his tips from waiting tables in the form of a micro grant. If you take the time to read about the recipient’s projects, a charming picture of the social impact of charity emerges. Also present is the “Cocoon Project” from the artist group Forays. An exercise in the reuse of materials to investigate urban geography, the presentation is uninspired, leaving “Cocoon” harder to get into than the hammock they provide. “Other Options” is invigorating, and more events are planned during the show’s run. All you have to do is participate. (Dan Gunn) Through November 11 at ALOGON GALLERY
Related Stories
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.
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.
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.
