September 11- solo exhibition with Montgomery Perry Smith
Pit Worship
A Solo Exhibition by Montgomery Perry Smith
Opening Saturday September 11 7-11pm
Creamy, 2008
Deemed one of Chicago’s 2010 Breakout Artists by NewCity Magazine, Montgomery Perry Smith takes over the entirety of Johalla Projects with Pit Worship. Smith’s work is a sideways examination of the human form. Crafting intricate sculptures out of materials ranging from felt and lace to saliva, Smith explores the complexity of human sexuality. Smith’s work bursts with appeal, and speaks heavily of desire, mirroring forms of the body and inviting the viewer to delve in deeper. But under the allure are the traces of frustration and awkwardness standard in sexual exploration. Pit Worship opens at Johalla Projects on Saturday, September 11th.
Contact: Caitlin Arnold or Anna Cerniglia at johallaprojects@gmail.com
WHO’S YR SHAMAN? Exhibition Catalog Now Available
WHO’S YR SHAMAN? exhibition catalog now available for $10. Featuring essays by Melissa Marinaro, Elijah Burgher, and Ivan Lozano. Catalog design by Terence Hannum. 24 pages, full color, total steal!
Please email melissamarinaro@gmail.com for more details.
“WHO’S YR SHAMAN?”, 8.13.10
WHO’S YR SHAMAN?
Magical Practice in Contemporary Art
a group exhibition curated by Melissa Marinaro
August 13 – September 3, 2010
Adam Ludwig, Alchemy 1, 2009
Image courtesy of Adam Ludwig
Art, religion, and spirituality are deeply intertwined. For thousands of years artistic production was concentrated in manufacturing houses of worship and objects for religious devotion. Many of these forms were believed to hold enormous power; some housed remnants of holy materials (such as human body parts), some were utilized in ritual practice, and a few were believed to contain the energy of saints, souls, or god(s). In the mid-nineteenth century, artists began exploring non-religious themes and, eventually, the importance of religion in art waned. Although art from the last two hundred years appears to lack a strong religious viewpoint, it would be incorrect to assume that it no longer possesses any spiritual significance.
As we enter into the second decade of the twenty-first century, the influence of Christianity has diminished and, as a whole, Westerners have become more accepting of alternative spiritual customs. The availability of information and the freedom of expression permitted in our society have allowed us access to a myriad of faiths; in turn, our lack of restrictions has led to blend together and formulate new convictions. Similarly, the rate in which we receive and process information, particularly via advanced technology, has effected how we view god and religion. Who’s yr Shaman? is a group exhibition featuring artists who take inspiration from unorthodox belief systems. Their production is a continuation in the history of mystical practice in art and, like their predecessors, they are responding to the climate of their contemporary world. The common thread which binds these seven individuals is their deep admiration and engagement in magic. It is a vital part of each of their creative processes and, as a result, transfers a numinous power into their final conceptions.
Featuring new work by:
Elijah BURGHER
Sara FAGALA
Terence HANNUM
Chad HARRISON
Ivan LOZANO
Adam LUDWIG
Rebecca WALZ
opening reception: Friday, August 13, 2010, 7-11pm
For more information, please email: johallaprojects@gmail.com or melissamarinaro@gmail.com
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