RECOMMENDED There’s almost nothing better than seeing a man sew. Darrel Morris uses the gender-specific, utilitarian medium in order to materialize dark humor and edgy wit, and the result is more than gratifying. Whereas feminist art practice has already turned craft on its head and situated it into a conceptual context, Morris has a fresh take on this approach and it definitely has to do with the fact that he is not a woman. Morris’ work champions the narrative of manhood depicted in the female-oriented form of embroidery. “Decline and other new works” travels through the male life-cycle from boyhood to old age with close investigation. Displayed are small, preparatory studies that Morris uses to translate into hand-embroidered pieces, sometime larger, often more intense. “Homemade Hair Cut” shows a boy receiving an agonizing haircut from his mother, which leads us to another panel, the young, virile athlete in relation to his austere high-school coach. At the end of this cycle are “Defeat” and “Decline,” which show a man conflicted and alone in older age. In between these poles is the glorification of youth and the fear, almost adamant disgust, of growing into an old, old man. (Karissa Lang)
Darrel Morris, “Decline and other new works,” shows through January 5 at gescheidle, 1039 West Lake, (312)226-3500.
The Search for New Land: A Review of “Rebecca Morris 2001-2022” at the MCA As well curated and arranged as the works in this exhibition are, you won’t go home contemplating the profound contradictions of human nature after this show. You can still enjoy them, but eventually you will have to admit: there’s not much to it.
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.
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.
