Before I get into all of the amazing artists I saw at Art Chicago this weekend I want to mention an awesome designer I just recently found out about, Nourdienne Amir. If you're like me and America's Next Top Model is also one of your guilty pleasures then you'll already know what I'm talking about.
Look at the brilliance of the design in this work! It's so breathtaking! It really is a pure mix of art, sculpture, and fashion all in one. For more pictures of this designer's work see my
tumblr.
So on to Art Chicago! It was such an amazing event! I'm so glad I went. It's funny because since Jon and I are married we see each other every day but it was still so hard for us to part ways for the day. Jon would have gone with me, but he wanted to see Mogwai later that night with a friend and it would have been too expensive to do both events, which is why we split up.
There were three main events that were part of Art Chicago. There was the main art event, a photography event that was intertwined with the main event, and an antiques show! It was at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. For those of you unfamiliar with Chicago, Merchandise Mart is pretty much a huge open market/show room where vendors come to sell their stuff. I was at the art show for a little over three hours and I only got through about half of the event! I'm not exaggerating when I say it was huge! There was art work from countries all over the world displayed. It was really inspiring to be immersed in so much creative thought all at once.
Here are some of my favorite artists and their artwork from the event...there's a lot so I'm only showing one piece of artwork per artist, follow the link after the images if you want to see more of their incredible work!
Miguel Florido, Cuba. I am drawn to the bold colors of this painting and the narrative of the bird with the watermelon.
"Encuentro de Emociones" ("Encounter of Emotions), Oil on Canvas, 2011
http://www.cernudaarte.com
Jordan Eagles, USA. The blood patterns mixed with copper are so mesmerizing and create the most interesting designs.
"URBC", Blood, copper preserved on plexiglass, UV resin, 2009
http://www.jordaneagles.com
Shin-Young An, South Korea. A Haunting portrait placed over current events shapes the soul of this piece.
"Partly Guilty-1", Oil on mixed media
http://www.myartspace.com/shinyoungan/
Ramon Vazquez, Cuba. I find the bright colors and fantastical imagery so interesting. I just want to look at it for hours!
"Tu Amor Hace Posible Io Imposible" ("Your Love Makes Possible the Impossible") Oil on Canvas, 2010
http://www.cernudaarte.com
Carolyn Ottmers, USA. She went to SAIC, just like me! I just love the natural feel of these sculptures.
"Splice #10" Cast stainless steel, 2010
http://www.secristgallery.com/artists/carolyn-ottmers/
Walter Dolphyn, Belguim. So playful yet a little creepy. I like art that has that mixture.
"Catch it, Boy!" Oil on Canvas
http://www.walterdolphyn.com
Robert Swedroe, USA. The structure of the piece takes your eyes on a crazy mind trip.
"Cyber Waves"
http://www.robertswedroe.com
Patrick Hughes, England. It's even more of an optical illusion to see this in person, the piece seems to move ever so slightly as you walk by.
"Pictures within Pictures" 2011
http://www.patrickhughes.co.uk/
Russell West, England. It's like the paint is melting right off the wall!
"Happy Hour" Oil on wire on board
http://www.russellwestfineart.co.uk
Donna Rosenthal, USA. Seriously f***ing awesome. These pieces are so intricate and whimsical! It's hard to tell by the photo, but in terms of scale they are about the size of an American Girl outfit.
"He Said...She Said (Romance Comics)" Paper and Mixed Media, 2007
http://www.donnarosenthalartist.com/
Peggy Kouroumalos, Canada. I love the brushwork of these paintings and the irony in the subject matter.
"The Catch" Oil on Canvas, 2009
http://peggykouroumalos.blogspot.com/
Jefferson Hayman, USA. His photographs have a very antique and nostalgic feel. The frames he uses make each print really unique and are almost as interesting as the photographs themselves.
"Pax Camera"http://www.jeffersonhayman.com/statement.html
Maggie Taylor, USA. I want to jump in and be a part of her surreal fantasy paintings. I love how the figure is glowing in this piece.
http://www.maggietaylor.com/
Klari Reis, USA. I actually saw this piece when I was on the cruise last year. I wasn't expecting to see it again, so it was a nice surprise!
http://www.klarireis.com/
Elizabeth Lecourt, France. Using deconstructed maps as little outfits? Genius not to mention super adorable!
"A La Pêche aux Moules"
http://www.fairfaxgallery.com
That's all of my favorites! Like I said I'm so glad I went to this event. I was so inspired by everything I saw, it was so much fun! Hopefully you were all just as inspired as I was! Now let's all go make some awesome art!
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