Art Chicago 2008
dal 23/4/2008 al 27/4/2008
Segnalato da
23/4/2008
Art Chicago 2008
The Merchandise Mart, Chicago
The annual international fair of contemporary and modern art, brings together 180 of the world's leading emerging and established galleries, representing 56 international cities to showcase the work of over 2,000 renowned artists. The event offers curators, collectors, artists and art enthusiasts a comprehensive survey of current and historic work, from cutting-edge to modern masters in a wide variety of media including: painting, photography, drawing, prints, sculpture, video and special installations.
From Beijing to London, Frankfort to Chicago, Paris to Minneapolis, 181 of the world’s premier galleries in contemporary and modern art are preparing for Art Chicago, April 25 – 28 at The Merchandise Mart. Together, they represent 56 international cities from 19 countries, and will showcase the works of more than 2,000 renowned artists in a variety of media including: painting, photography, drawing, prints, sculpture, video and special installations.
The 200,000 square foot 12th Floor of The Merchandise Mart has undergone extensive renovation to create a gallery-like atmosphere for Art Chicago; the space redefines the art fair experience by presenting exhibitors in gallery-like suites unparalleled by any other art fair.
“This multi-million dollar commitment to renovating the Art Chicago space demonstrates our long-term dedication to our exhibitors. The space will beautifully reflect the quality of the works displayed within,” remarks Merchandise Mart Senior Vice President Mark Falanga.
Galleries and Art
“We are very proud of our 2008 gallery list,” comments Vice President of Art Chicago Tony Karman, “as it represents the strongest, most balanced and diverse survey of contemporary and modern art in the 28 year history of the Chicago fair.”
Leading galleries returning to Chicago after an absence of many years include Zwirner & Wirth of New York, bringing works by Neo Rauch and Thomas Ruff. Galerie Lelong, from New York and Paris will present Angelo Filomeno and Emilio Perez. Sikkema-Jenkins from New York will bring Vik Muniz and Valerie Belin, while Greenberg Van Doren is showing Richard Diebenkorn. Yvon Lambert from New York and Paris will bring Tom Wesselman, and from London, Timothy Taylor Gallery will show a U.S. debut work by Bridget Reilly and Fiona Rae. Edwynn Houk is showing classic Sally Mann, and Galerie Bo Bjerggaard of Copenhagen and Galerie Anhava of Helsinki are bringing works from Northern European Artists Per Pak Jensen and Mareka Makela. Gallery Artside from Seoul and Beijing will showcase Zhang XioGang and Los Angeles dealer Michael Kohn will present Mark Ryden.
One of the oldest galleries in the country, Knoedler & Company, will make its first appearance at a Chicago fair with Lee Bontecou. The famed Leo Castelli Gallery, not seen in Chicago since the 1990s, will return with Ed Ruscha and Jasper Johns.
Hometown galleries including Richard Gray Gallery will show important works of Jaume Plensa and Alex Katz, with Rhona Hoffman bringing Kahinde Wiley and Lorna Simpson. Donald Young will return to with celebrated artists Rodney Graham and Anne Chu.
“Art Chicago is the centerpiece of the Artropolis events occurring at The Mart. We’re grateful to be cooperating with our internationally renowned cultural institutions to orchestrate a full weekend of activities unmatched by any other city,” notes Vice President of Art Chicago, Tony Karman.
Public Sculpture Exhibit at the Mart
More than 30 spectacular sculptures and installation pieces, presented by noted international artists in cooperation with the premier Art Chicago galleries will be showcased on the first floor of the iconic Merchandise Mart complex and the surrounding perimeter, to form a 5 day sculpture park, never to be replicated in Chicago.
Remarkable pieces on display to the public will include Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa’s Sho, a stunning large-scale stainless steel mesh head, which will be installed outside of The Merchandise Mart’s south lobby. Known for the crowd-attracting, democratic and interactive Crown Fountain in Millennium Park, Plensa’s work comes courtesy of Richard Gray Gallery, Chicago.
A John McCracken 8’ bronze sculpture, Swift, recently constructed by the artist, will be a beautiful focal point of The Mart’s south lobby. McCracken’s luminous piece comes courtesy of renowned Zwirner & Wirth Gallery, New York.
The Tom McCormick Gallery of Chicago will bring local artist Bernard Williams’ freestanding painted wood sculpture entitled Liquor Store, which will be displayed in The Mart’s north lobby.
“We want visitors to understand that this is a very approachable show,” remarks Merchandise Mart Senior Vice President Mark Falanga. “We cater to the collector, to the curator, to the enthusiast and to the curious. This is a great weekend to expose oneself, one’s family and friends to an unprecedented collection of art work.”
Art Chicago Speaks
Art Chicago Speaks is an educational component to Art Chicago featuring an international roster of artists, writers, curators, collectors and critics who will be brought together to host provocative seminars and discussions confronting the contemporary art market. Examples of the 20 seminars offered include:
“The Lower Ninth Ward Meets the Soul of the Art World: Contemporary Art, New Orleans and Community”
Friday, April 25, 10 a.m.
Prospect.1, the largest international Biennial in U.S. history, has been designed to help revive the city of New Orleans following the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This eye-opening discussion is presented by renowned mixed-media artist Mark Bradford of Los Angeles and curator and Director of U.S. Biennial, Prospect.1, Dan Cameron.
“Working Together on the Perfect Blend of Art and Architecture: A Conversation between David Adjaye and Cydney Payton”
Saturday, April 26, 3 p.m.
‘Starchitect’ David Adjaye, principal director of Adjaye Associates, is recognized as one of the leading architects of his generation. Adjaye’s list of projects extends from private homes to prominent public buildings. Together with Cydney Payton, director of chief curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, they will discuss the respect for context, while simultaneously introducing innovation that complements and supports the existing elements.
All Art Chicago Speaks discussions are free to Artropolis ticket holders. For a complete listing of seminars, visit http://www.artropolischicago.com.
PARTISAN – Expressions of Our Time
New to Art Chicago, Partisan is a special exhibition of socially and politically provocative art, curated and juried by prominent artists from a range of fields. Partisan will be exhibited on the 12th floor of The Merchandise Mart, within Art Chicago.
Press contact: Kasey Madden
Director of Public Relations / Art Chicago
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
312.527.7792
kmadden@mmart.com
Opening Night Preview Party: Thursday, April 24
The Merchandise Mart
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza - Chicago
Times: Friday, April 25: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 26: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 27: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, April 28: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tickets: dollars 20 for entry to all five shows. dollars 25 for multiple day pass. dollars 15 students and seniors