“Young Expressions”

Marillac House presents artwork by children in their after school “Young Expressions” art program

 

“Self-Portrait” by Denzel Smith, age 7

Rose M. Barron

“Art History Blonded,” silver gelatin & c-prints

Barron’s work is about gender roles, sexuality, and the behaviors that go along with it. The artist has chosen to portray the Blond with all the stereotyping and sexuality that goes along with it in a reverse role through art history: where men were usually seen as the artist and females were usually shown as the model, often nude. Her intention is not to change the roles but instead to portray how females and males exhibit a full range of emotions, aspirations, roles and behaviors.

Kristina Gosh

“Wallpapered,” mixed media

Gosh’s new work addresses the emotional facades we create between ourselves and others. As wallpaper remnants floating free of the wall, these mixed-media paper constructions metaphorically evoke the emotional veneers we build.

Steve Hamann

“You Cannot Be Serious,” acrylic paintings

Hamann’s artwork walks the line between humor and pathos. His narrative paintings reflect a tenuous hold on reality, perhaps a result of watching too many cartoons. Using acrylic on canvas, the artist explores pivotal moments in his life through complex, touching and occasionally hilarious images.

Jeffrey Beebe

“The Plague Idiots,” drawings

In his latest series of drawings, The Plague Idiots, the artist depicts the kaleidoscope of moments before, during and just after the “pivotal” events in one’s life. He strives to capture the realism, magic, humor and anxiety of these moments–subtleties that often escape notice as these moments unfold. This current body of work is inspired by historical research into medieval society and the black plague pandemic of the mid-14th century in Europe; however, many of the concerns faced by the drawing’s participants could be easily applied to any historical period, including contemporary life.

Susan and Rick Michod, Lori Gunn Wirsum and Zack Wirsum

“Mammas, Boys,” mixed media

Presenting the work of two original mother-son painters, this body of work is not only joined by family bonds, but also by a love for image. The works included communicate in similar ways through an active use of color, pattern and form. Although differences arise the focus is always on the dominance of the image, which has been a strong suit of Chicago art for decades.