“Golden Collection,” traditional paintings of the Mysore style

India is a land of rich cultural heritage-the Mysore Style of traditional art being one of them. This is an ancient art dating back to the 13th Century where it flourished under the royal patronage of the Mysore kings (a city in state of Karnataka, India). The purpose of this exhibition is to revive this art and bring to the notice of art lovers the rich tradition of the paintings, which has survived to this date. ‘Traditional Paintings’ connotes a continuity of time-honored practice based on ancient concepts, themes and rules of paintings. The subject matter is, in most cases, religious and mythological depicting important episodes from the epics. The use of the real gold leaf and intricate designs lends richness to these paintings, which is unique to this style. The artist has been working with this style for the past 30 years, understanding its traditional values and improvising on its ancient techniques and modes of drawing and propagating this form of art through teaching and exhibiting her works.

“Inside.Out: Living Somewhere in between Two Worlds,” various artists, mixed media

This exhibit displays works created by Asian immigrant mental health consumers from the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program and art therapy groups. The pieces relate past events, current experiences, and hopes for the future. Our immigrant members, originally from countries across Asia, thrive on the opportunity to express their inner experiences non-verbally. With the support of a resident art therapist, Ha Tran, consumers are able to explore the lingering effects of war, identity in America, and living with mental illness. Since 1978 Asian Human Services has been providing quality and compassionate care to the Asian American community of metropolitan Chicago

“Motherland,”sepia-toned & hand-colored silver-gelatin prints

Motherland (2002), is a series of 16 photographs that consider the idea of fertility and reproduction in the feminine experience. Natural forms such as nests and cocoons are found in landscapes and combined with figurative elements. Woman is pictured in a larger, impersonal context of metamorphosis, decomposition and regeneration. Sepia-toned, she is frozen in a silent landscape as a statuesque ideal.

“Human Rights Painting Project,” oil paintings and charcoal drawings

The Human Rights Painting Project, in conjunction with Amnesty International, highlights the struggle for human rights the world over – and the important work that Amnesty International does in working towards this goal. Using a contemporary artistic voice, I interpret paint portraits of different persons involved in the struggle for human rights, emphasizing individuals that bring it to life. Biographies of each person featured accompany the paintings. Ultimately, the paintings bring together man’s best and worst impulses – the heroes of the images are a counterpoint to the authorities that forced them into that role. We are left with the uncomfortable question of which group is more typical of our human race and which the exception.

Image by Janet Pines Bender