Opening night, saturated with people, proved to be a successful event. This was a “homecoming” for the previously Chicago-based gallery Off Register. The bulk of the artists in this show are based in New York, Cody Hudson being the only Chicago artist featured. Two musical acts played the opening, The Gutter Butter DJs and Never Enough Hope. The opening, sponsored by the Empty Bottle, resulted in not enough attention drawn to the art on view, which are mainly prints that supposedly address experimental printmaking techniques. While the work is a mixed bag, with some stand-out pieces by Steven Harrington and Justin Fines, it is unclear what exactly is experimental about most of the work in the show. Perhaps as fine works of art, and not as functional event posters or album covers they court experimentation. The show is worth checking out to become acquainted with some of the prominent current designers who make work on the edge of art and design. The AV-Aerie is also a fabulous spacious gallery with large in-house sculpture from local Chicago artists. (Sara McCool)
