Calling all poets, illustrators, comic-readers, coffee-lovers, graffiti artists, appreciators, graphic designers, doodlers, and creators: have I got an exhibition for you.
In Columbia College Chicago’s 5th annual exhibit, Word4: Type + Image, students of all disciplines and talents have collaborated to plaster the walls of local campus hangout, The Hokin Gallery, with a little something for everyone.
Although the Hokin Gallery isn’t your traditional gallery space, its squeaky hardwood floors, noise from the never-ending Wabash Avenue street construction, and the occasional whiff of someone’s Kentucky Fried Chicken; all add to the show’s raw and unpredictable aesthetic.
With works ranging from “graffiti art”, to wonderfully graceful poetry, Word4: Type + Image, makes a successful attempt at establishing, recognizing, and celebrating the uncountable connections between art and the written word.
While some artists, such as Kyle Harter and Jennifer Hines take an urban edgy approach with their works “I am Happy With My Demographic” and “The Breaking Up Series”; others please the traditional conceptual thinkers with photographs, digital prints, and strict poetry; seen in Kenyatta Rogers’ “Jesus Hands”. Walking around staring at walls not for you? Stroll over to the freestanding wall, complete with crayons of all colors for viewers to make their mark on the exhibition…literally.
Word4: Type + Image is a great exhibition for any time, any mood, and any person. Its collaborative, interactive, beautiful, and edgy components are a great tribute to the Columbia College Chicago culture and an escape into something greater than yourself.
Poets: come for the poetry; illustrators, graphic designers, and graffiti artists: come for the design; appreciators, doodlers, and coffee lovers: look around, draw on walls, and take a seat with a hot cup of Intelligista and soak up the diverse and talented community you have entered.
“Word4: Type + Image” is on display in the Hokin Gallery of 623 S. Wabash Avenue, Monday through Thursday 9am – 7pm, and Fridays 9am – 5pm until February 27, 2009. Please visit the website for more information.
I really enjoyed this upbeat review--good choice of subject, great energy and enthusiasm. One thing that's really good here is your attention to the gallery space (para. 3) and your gesture towards putting the show in the bigger context of the college as a whole (in para.6).
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you could trim the praise a little--a little praise goes a long way--to make more room for descriptions of the show itself. You mention specific works and describe their vibe in a word or two but say little about the works themselves (para. 5).
Of course a few more links and images could help you do this efficiently, without sacrificing your positivity too much.