Few raw artists exist in today’s world of over-stimulation and waste. Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes, a self-taught and self-proclaimed “refuse alchemist,” uses only tape, scissors and trash to shape sculptures without preconceived plans of their finished appearance. Alley-Barnes builds upon his sculptures as the ideas take shape in his mind, creating works of layered dimension.
Though the sculptures of “Nocturne” are all black and made of similar materials—milk jugs, modified shipping crates, plastic bags—perhaps the only underlying theme is the environmental and social statement. Alley-Barnes’ sculptures are approximately five pounds—the weight each American contributes to landfills daily. His pieces are meant to convey a statement about the artist through the reuse of his daily waste and to connect the viewer to the art as well as to the waste of their own lives. In addition to providing a poignant social message the sculptures are bold and captivating. Distorted faces and oversized crows leer from the walls of the gallery. For those who long for natural beauty and an unfettered creativity Alley-Barnes is the artist to check out this summer. (Rachel Turney)
Through August 6 at Artistic Jeanius, 1711 S. Halstead, (312) 912-1444.
Gregory Bae In Memoriam: A Blueprint for an Artistic Life Many friends and collaborators drew connections between Bae’s studio practice and social justice/organizing work, noting Bae’s ability to transcend personalities and conflicts in pursuit of just principles.
An Artistic Project: Portable Gray at Ten (Issues) The journal was conceived as a way to share the work of the Gray Center’s fellows and the University of Chicago’s broader artistic and scholarly community with the rest of the city. This May the journal will launch its tenth issue on the subject of “Family.”
Women Artists Are Speaking—and Deserve Artistic Freedom and Safety We should all be grateful to artists who are willing to impact our public landscape and transform our engagement in these spaces, while never really knowing if they and their work will be protected.
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.
