The inaugural exhibition at Manifold, “R&D,” or Research & Development, attempts to interpret a term most frequently associated with biotech companies. Housed adjacent to their metal furniture and accessories industrial design shop, it is a logical juxtaposition for the owners to stage an exhibition of work that speaks to the often methodical, research-oriented process of creation. In artistic terms, R&D involves a systematic process in which research is undertaken to expand on and reinterpret unique applications of creation from a technical, stylistic, and intellectual standpoint.
The enormous tapestry piece by Mike Andrews, titled “Let It,”is an amazing conglomeration of colorful yarn. Cascading skeins of bright colors form a yarn waterfall of sorts and it is tempting to inspect this closely to see how it is pieced together technically. The tapestry packs a punch, working on a purely visual level, as well as effectively fulfilling the R&D premise by simultaneously referencing and usurping the traditional connotation of yarn as a hobby medium.
At first glance the three simple doorstops placed on three pedestals appear like the common variety found at the local hardware shop, but they are trompe l’oeil objects precisely recreated in three different beautiful materials. The first doorstop is carved from Carrara marble, the second from Wenge wood, and the third molded in porcelain. Their makers, an anonymous artist collective called Thornberry, are a self-proclaimed “company” dedicated to producing the world’s finest doorstops. These are subtle hints and homages to Duchamp—perhaps his “Three Standard Stoppages”—and friends in The Société Anonyme, or Anonymous Society. I look forward to seeing how, and if, Thornberry will continue to operate. (Betsy Van Die)
Through May 26 at Manifold, 4426 North Ravenswood
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.
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.
RECOMMENDED
