Steeped in the art historical practices of Minimalism, Jon Waites’ solo exhibition “Radical, Work” combines his youthful preoccupation with skateboarding and the basic forms of the notable movement. The work challenges some basic assumptions of artistic practice, such as the sculpture/painting divide, while based in a vernacular of skateboarding.
One untitled work mimics a skating ramp. Made of grip tape on plywood, the piece suggests function while simultaneously mocking any notion of utility by hanging ceremoniously on the gallery wall. Other works, such as “Gnarly Third” and “Gnarly Redo,” use variations of the same palette and geometry. A green tangled mass, represented in both sculptural and painted form, suggests the motion, twists and turns involved in the sport. The works are appealingly narrative and formal. By using skate wax, concrete, wood, latex paint, acrylic and cotton in his artworks, Waites integrates the elements of skating and also transforms them into formal objects in a gallery. (Tara Quell)
Through March 4 at Peregrine Program, 3311 West Carroll, #119.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RECOMMENDED
