My Bike Betty

Author Archives: jan

• Observation, Affect, and Response

  Posted at 7:16 pm by jan, on December 27, 2016

  

  

  Alphawood Gallery, 2401 North Halsted Street

  Now through April 2, 2017, Chicago-based Alphawood Foundation presents,

  ART AIDS AMERICA Chicago

  BEAUTY

  SEX

  LOSS

  COURAGE

  POLITICS

  With the objective to advocate the rights of the LGBT community, this year’s Alphawood grant award presents this exhibit. In the show, Alphawood identifies the diverse work with labeled icons defining the artist’s point of reference. They include, Body, Activism, Camouflage, and Spirit.

  Originally a bank, the exhibition space lends itself to many aspects of isolation, entrapment, and loneliness conveyed in the work. Below is only a fraction of the art.

  

  Every 12 Minutes, Nayland Blake, video, 1991

  

  Untitled (Water), Feliz Gonzalez-Torres, installation, 1995

  

  By Punchinello’s Bed and The Lamentation, Patrick Webb, oil on canvas, 1992

  

  Homosexual Holocaust, Study for Pink Triangle Torture, Judy Chicago, sprayed acrylic, photo-silkscreen, and oil of canvas, 1989

  

  Untitled, Ferenc Suto, gelatin silver print, 1986

  

  (left) AIDS, Time, Death, Luis Cruz Azaceta, acrylic and ink on paper, 1989
  (right) Icarian I Incline, Daniel Goldstein, leather, sweat, wood, copper, felt, and plexiglass, 1993

  

  Altar Piece, Keith Haring, bronze with with gold leaf patina, 1990

  

  The Uninvited, Rudy Lemcke, video installation, 2003

  

  Red Spill, Kiki Smith, glass, 1996

  

  The End from Where You Are, Jim Hodges, silk, polyester, thread, 1998

  And last, an opportunity to share your story…

  

  StoryCorps records your story to document and then (with your permission) shares it publicly by partnering with Chicago’s WBEZ 91.5 radio.

   

  Alright friends, Betty and I are off on our next adventure and wrapping up 2016. Along the way we extend to you the invitation to explore, look for art and artistic expression everywhere and lastly, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

   

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Alpha wood Gallery, ArtAIDSAmerica Chicago

• Undeniable Evidence

  Posted at 12:53 am by jan, on December 9, 2016

  When I consider what Fine Art is, I think about work with multiple layers of meaning. I think about art like the installations of artist, Doris Salcedo. A large portion of her work is in response to what she witnessed in her Colombia homeland. Using personal articles of those who were victims of war and merciless brutality, her art is documentation and undeniable evidence of crimes against innocence.

  Although work like this is painful to observe, it is absolutely necessary in order to expose crimes and criminals, give voice to victims, and advocate ethical principles.

  This week Betty and I rode to the Museum of Contemporary Art to experience the 2006 installation of artist, Alfredo Jaar.

  

  220 E Chicago Ave

  In the group exhibition, Witness, The Sound of Silence is roughly an 8 minute immersion into an observation, a story, a crime. When entering the gallery you are met with an enclosed room-sized cube where a singular, florescent lit side confronts you. You are then guided to the opposite end, invited to sit on a bench and wait for a green light invitational signal.

  Upon entering the dark space, you sit, read minimal relevant text and witness.

  

  The genesis of the piece is a singular photo. One that tells the story of millions. The same image is part of what destroyed the artist who took it. And in that very same image is the result of lost humanness.

  This piece will exhibit until February 12th and is a part of the permanent collection at the MCA.

   

   

  Posted in Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged MCA, Museum of Contemporary

• A Hidden Gem in the Loop

  Posted at 7:42 pm by jan, on November 28, 2016

  This discovery was found nestled on the 3rd floor of Block Thirty-Seven downtown.

  

  108 N. State Street

  Now through February 25th enjoy Sydney University’s Tin Sheds Gallery’s traveling installation project, City of Ideas: Architects’ Voices and Visions. After curator Vladimir Belogolovsky gathered and transcribed leading international architects ideas and objectives he then extended the collaboration to local artists and architects for their response to the work and to the evolution of architectural design.

  

  

  Kengo Kuma
  Bato-machi Hiroshige Museum
  Tokyo
  1954

  

  Zvi Hecker
  Ramot Houseing
  Jerusalem
  1931

  

  Wolf Prix
  Rooftop Remodeling Falkestrasse
  Vienna
  1942

  

  Paulo Mendes da Rocha
  Saint Peter Chapel
  Sao Paulo
  1928

  

  Thomas Mayne
  Diamond Ranch High School
  Pomona, California
  1999

  

  Lastly, a super kewl shopping area loaded with local designer’s work. 

  Ok all, keep an eye out for art and artistic expression…it’s EVERYWHERE! Join Betty and me and explore, learn something new, post it here and then, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

  Posted in Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged Chicago Design Museum

• Field Museum’s Tattoo Pop-ups!

  Posted at 5:22 pm by jan, on November 16, 2016

  On the heels of the last blog entry, check out the traveling tattoo parlor by the Field Museum. Spreading the word that the Tattoo exhibit will run through April 30, 2017, be on the lookout as this tatt shop travels around Chicago treating on-lookers to a free temporary airbrushed tattoo.

  

  Last seen, Emporium Arcade Bar, 2363 N Milwaukee

  

  

  Thanks to airbrush artist, Jason Preker for fun, no commitment fresh ink!

  Posted in Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged The Field Museum of Natural History Chicago

• Where Can You Find a Dinosaur in a Cubs Jersey?

  Posted at 6:49 pm by jan, on November 11, 2016

  

  

  The Field Museum of Natural History, that’s where!
  1400 S. Lake Shore Drive

  Now through April 30th exhibition, Tattoo explores many aspects of the practice of tattooing including cultural influence, the tools used, the history of tattooing, and live tattoo demonstrations.

  I visited this show over a week ago and what continues to come to mind is the characteristic of tattooing that identifies a person regardless of whether it is received by choice or not. These characteristics then exemplify a dichotomy of extreme intention, representation, and meaning.

  

  Auschwitz survivor, Dr. George Brent

  Photographer: John Weinstein Wilmette

  

  Auschwitz survivor Livia Ravek’s grandson Daniel Philosoph proudly displays his grandmother’s identifying number as homage to her.

  Photographer: Uriel Sinai

  

  A practice of the Ottoman government, during the Armenian genocide, was to force women into slavery and prostitution and then identify them as such by tattooing their faces and chest.

  Photographer: unknown

  

  Photographer: Marc Garanger

  

  Famous Phillippine master tattoo artist Fang-Od Odday practices and trains the art of Kalina tattooing. For women, the marks are signs of beauty along with the belief that the adornment will carry over into the afterlife.

  Photographer: Jake Verzosa

  

  A woman from the Chinese Drung culture with marks that identify rights of passage among her tribe.

  Photographer: Michael Laukien

  

  Yakuzas or Japanese mafia identify themselves traditionally by full body tattoos.

  Photographer: Irina Ionesco

  

  Salvadorian gang member’s marks convey symbols of gang loyalty and defiance to authority.

  Photographer: Isabel Munos

  

  Photographer: Isabel Munos

  

  A late 19th/early 20th century sideshow featuring a prisoner being tattooed by natives.

  Photographer: unknown

  

  Mid 20th century trunk and suitcase of a traveling tattoo artist.

  Last, I want to show some work of contemporary artist.

  Artist: Guy le Tatooer

  Photographer: Zoe Forget

  

  Artist: Yann Black

  Photographer: Zoe Forget

  

  Artist: Musa

  Photographer: Zoe Forget

  

  Artist: Kostek

  Photographer: Zoe Forget

  A really interesting exhibit and keep in mind only a fraction of it is shown here.

  Alright! Betty and I are off on our next adventure and considering Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I’m super thankful for this project, the next entry will reflect gratefulness!

  Remember fellow explorers, art and artistic expression is everywhere. Look for it. Document it. Then please, post it here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged The Field Museum of Natural History Chicago

• When Home is Where the Creativity Is

  Posted at 6:25 pm by jan, on October 25, 2016

  Greetings All! This blog entry is inspired by my love of cooking shows and competitions on the Food Network. A favorite, hands down, is Chopped where competitors create a dish within a specific time from a mystery baskets of ingredients. Dishes are judged on creativity, taste, and presentation.

  So I was delighted when my best friend agreed to shop for mystery ingredients for three courses and, when presented, timed me while I got my COOK-ON!

  

  Thanks mom!

  

  1st Round: Appetizer-20 minutes.

  

  Mystery Basket Ingredients-Parsnips, Uzu juice, Fennel, Popcorn chips

  

  Veggie Spring Rolls with Popcorn Crisp, a Soy Fennel sauce, and Uzu Sake

  2nd Round: Entre-30 minutes

  

  Basket Ingredients-Spaghetti Squash, Rapini, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Cubed Buffalo

  

  

  Roasted Buffalo with Rapini Cream, Spaghetti Hash Cakes and Citrus Cucumber Martinis

  Final Round: Dessert-30 minutes

  

  ingredients Mascarpone Cheese, Cranberries, Banana Moon Pies, Jr. Mints

  

  Creamed Cranberry-Banana Crumble, Espresso-mint Martini Pie

  Now that was fun! However, for the record, after eating and critiquing my work we were three shades of queasy…HA and EW! Still we’re up for doing this again and loved the creativity and game of it. Thanks again mom!

  So Betty and I are off, hitting the streets for our next adventure and inviting you to do the same! Look for art and artistic expression everywhere and then please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!!

   

  Posted in An Extension To All, Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Chopped, The Cooking Network

• For the Love of Riding

  Posted at 3:57 pm by jan, on October 8, 2016

  For all those who love to ride and socialize, a little rain doesn’t stop us! The last Friday of the month, come rain, shine, hot or cold, everyone is invited to meet at Daly Plaza for a Chicago community ride that kicks off at 6pm. 

  

  Check out Chicago Critical Mass at http://chicagocriticalmass.org for more information.

  After an awesome ride Betty and I headed over to ARC gallery (2156 N. Damen) for their members yearly exhibition showing now until October 22.

  

  I’m Your Green Honeycreeper, Baby
  Rosemary Meza-DesPlas
  2015
  hand-sewn human hair, watercolor, fabric and thread

  

  Lewy Body
  Amy Zucker
  2016
  oil on masonite

  

  Nurture Within
  Ralitza M. Vladimirova
  2016
  clay

  

  “It was the worst of times,” North Korean Prison Camp #2
  Michele Corazzo
  2014
  oilstick

  

  City Passage
  Meredith Dytch
  2016
  oil on canvas

  

  Preservation: Don’t Cry
  Jan Parker
  2016
  water, jars, father’s chair, child’s cup

  

  Fading Light
  Pamela Hobbs
  2016
  pigment print

  

  Canopy II
  Ruti Modlin
  2016
  hand colored woodcut

  Super great day and I certainly want to share it with you!

  Betty and I are out on our next adventure but first extending an invitation to you to join in. Look for art and artistic expression everywhere and then please, SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

  Posted in Museums, Galleries, Cultural Centers | 0 Comments | Tagged ARC Gallery

• Ode to Betty

  Posted at 5:24 pm by jan, on September 28, 2016

  This week I’m dedicating the post to Betty. Coming up on the blog’s 3 year anniversary, I am filled thankfulness for all the adventures we’ve had and can’t wait for those ahead!

  Betty! YOU ARE…

  

  So recently, when we checked out West Loop Art Fest, we stumbled across these gems.

  

  LINKS by Annette recycles bike parts to create super kewl personal and household treasures. Check it out at linsbyannette.com!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Inspired by the love of riding and discovering, I couldn’t help but think about the good mojo these creations carry from their past lives.

  Alright fellow adventurers! Let’s hit the road! Look for art and artistic expression everywhere, post it here, and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!

  Posted in An Extension To All, Theaters, Festivals, Music, Parades | 0 Comments | Tagged LINKS by Annette

• Without Agenda

  Posted at 7:52 pm by jan, on September 15, 2016

  So one of Betty and my favorite things to do is just RIDE. Without an agenda we explore and discover. This week we headed past the south loop and found these hidden treasures.

  

  New additions to the Wabash Arts Corridor. Above is the work of Marina Zumi

  

  Within the same block,Wabash and 9th street, another new mural by Collin Vander Sluys. I found this giant piece so stunning and was fascinated by how beautifully it worked against the building it’s painted on.

  

  

  

  Next we headed over to Reggie’s for a beer and bite and found these guys in the back…

  

  2109 S State St. (alley)

  

  

  

  

  So with thoughts of swirling flowers, magical animals and Frank Zappa and Grateful Dead mojo Betty and I cruised on to our next discovery.

  And so, my dear readers, we’re inviting you to do the same! Take off, explore and discover. Along the way post your experience here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!

  Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments | Tagged Reggies Rock Club, The Wabash Arts Corridor

• A Chi-boy Citing

  Posted at 6:13 pm by jan, on August 31, 2016

  On our journeys of late, Betty and I are sensing the transition from summer to fall. An early morning ride to Albany Park was filled with cool temperatures, earthy smells, and discoveries along the way.

  

  North Shore Channel Trail

  The 6.5-mile riverside trail is so lovely and with sounds like tree frogs and children playing you feel like you’re far away from the hustle of the city.

  And then there was this…

  

  at W. Lunt and Ravenswood Ave., Hebru Brantley’s earlier work from the Chi-boy series. 

  

  

  

  You know this artist, remember this posting on 7/15/15…

  

  At 1132 S Wabash Ave. and…

  

  CTA’s Red Line at Lawrence on 6/22/2016

  Awesome discoveries and even better, there’s more to come on the North Shore Channel Trail. Research tells me that if we stay on it through Lincolnwood we’ll meet up with the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park and last the Ladd Arboretum in Evanston. How’s that for my next adventure with Betty?!

  Alright fellow explorers! We are off and inviting you to come along. Discover art and artistic expression everywhere, post it here and SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!

  Posted in An Extension To All | 0 Comments | Tagged Hebru Brantley

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