When “Blowin’ It” Actually Works!

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

You’ve probably heard some variation of this joke: A young ingenue mingles with a group of big-wigs at a social luncheon of sorts on the Upper East Side. At some point she is asked by one of the attendees if she is in a relationship. She truthfully responds that yes, she is. Curious, he ask her what her boyfriend does for a living. She responds that he’s an artist. “Really?” he responds as he leans forward and smiles. “At what restaurant?”

Yep, artists have it hard — really hard, and it’s not surprising that many — or most — have to resort to cleaning houses, busing tables, bartending, and if Illinois’s recent history is anything to go by, run for governor, until they make it in the field. But pulling balloon tricks as a clown in Times Square?

That was the reality for Jason Hackenwerth, who after nearly 20 years of shaping balloons into poodles and kittens, has turned his skill into an art form. And a most exceptional one at that.

Click here to read the rest of this post on NBCChicago.com.

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It’s Been a Lange Time Coming

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

For those of us who have lived here long enough to call Chicago home, the idea of having four seasons sounds flat out silly. After all, in Chicago, it’s all some derivative of winter, with the season stretching from June to August generally referred to as “It’s Still Not Warm Enough,” or, in some circles, “Next Summer I’m Moving to L.A.”

That said, instead of waiting for the warm weather to come, which should happen sometime in the next 3-4 months, it’s time to think about creative ways to stay indoors without getting cabin fever.

Click here to read the rest of this story on nbcchicago.com.

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Review: PhotoDimension at the MoCP

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

The current show at the MoCP begs the question: How strict are the boundaries between two and three-dimensional representations? The show features works by thirteen artists—some emerging, others established—all of whom challenge some of the most basic foundations in photography. A photograph–a frozen moment in time portrayed in a single angle, undermines the very foundations of Post Modernism: multifarious interpretations, lack of singular meanings, and the collapsing of boundaries.

Bettina Hoffman’s DVD “La Ronde”, 2004, is a circumambulatory view of a scene whose participants are eerily frozen in motion. Hoffman cleverly reminds us that for every given shot, 359 other angles are possible.

Heather Mekkelson’s installation, “Debris Field”, 2008-2009, is a recreation of an actual photograph of a post-disaster scenario. The lack of borders delineating the installation and the sheer size of it render the experience overwhelming, drawing the limitations of photography as an accurate conveyer of depth, complexity and space. The stillness of the installation and its positioning in a gallery setting, however, still makes it seem more like a photograph than the real deal.

Katalin Deer and Pello Irazu both photograph three-dimensional compositions that feature photographs within each one, thereby annihilating the distance between the photograph as a vessel to transport information versus as an object in its own right. The concepts of two and three dimensionality appear to be interwoven with such intensity that makes any attempts at separating them as straight as reading an Escher drawing.

Vik Muniz and Laurent Millet create installations that, when photographed, intentionally appear flat and devoid of depth. This allows both artists to comment on the impossibility of experiencing space in ways that are universal and readily legible.

Melinda McDaniel and Susana Reisman turn the photograph into an object of contemplation. McDaniel never fully develops her photographs, allowing the exposure from the gallery lights to continue affecting the final product, thereby turning the object into a continuous experience. Reisman prints her images on long strips of canvas rolled into organic, nautical shapes, which she lets elegantly sag over time, a la Eva Hesse. In both cases, arguably more so than any of the works mentioned above, the artists present photography in a refreshingly and comprehensively new way.

It appears that with that much dialogue occurring in the field of Contemporary photography, the answer to the aforementioned opening question is a simple “What boundaries?”, as it lets photography hover between two and three dimensions, and between a reality seen and a reality imagined.

The show will be running through April 19th, 2009.

Pello Irazo, La Fabrica, (Belgrado), VI, 2007

To learn more about Shlomi thinks is worth checking out click here.

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I love First Fridays at the MCA!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

I’m always looking for cool, new, fun things to do… It’s kind of my shtick. So when I heard that on the first Friday of every month, the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) hosts a happy hour party, featuring a hip local artist, I knew I had to peep the scene. And I am so glad I did! I had some great chats, ate some killer brownies and even made a Valentine card for my love… Chicago.

Curtis Mann, is the artist of the month and I just loved that guy. What a cool and interesting dude! He started out as an engineer of some kind (not a details girl) and now… he’s an artist. You gotta hear about how he creates his art (hint: Clorox bleach) and THEN you gotta go check it out for yourself!

MCA has their happy hour First Friday every month, and one of the things I really like about the party, is that it gives people a chance to meet a TON of new people (I mean a TON) and have something “real” to talk about. Art is a beautiful thing. And it works magic on the brain. Kinda puts you in the mood to love… and maybe not always romantic love… but love, just the same.

For more artistic videos, check out JenChicago.com!
Find me on Facebook! (Search: JenChicago)

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First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Music, Art, Food and Drinks!
Friday, February 6. 6-10pm. $7-$15.

Looking for something artsy and happy-hourish all on the same night? The MCA hosts First Fridays monthly and features an up-and-coming Chicago artist. Tickets include free Wolfgang Puck appetizers, live music from local DJs, the world’s only iMac G5 digital dating bar, creation stations and a cash bar. Get cultured and have a great time kicking off the weekend! Order your tickets online for a discount. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.

Though the cash bar closes at 9:30, the party keeps going as you and all of your new artsy friends head out to the MCA’s after-parties at a Chicago hotspot. The museum is a great place to meet new and old friends alike. Being surrounded by art, food, music and drinks can only help conversations and ensure that everyone has a great time! Buy your tickets in advance to get VIP admission.

We’ll be shooting a video of MCA’s First Friday, so be sure to drop in, say “hi” and check out some art!

Museum of Contemporary Arts
220 East Chicago Avenue
Magnificent Mile
312.397.4010

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The MCA: A Crossroad of our Global Village

Desiree, NBC5 Street Team

What a truly global village we get to live in called Chicago, where art and culture unite. Not only did I get to view Kara Walker’s art in Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Spain, but I also got to see her work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. And—among other amazing exhibitions—her art was just down the street from where Gehry designed a shell that would later reflect the Guggenheim  in Spain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. Here’s the synopsis of what’s to see at the MCA, and what happened to me; a real life déjà vu. With this winter weather, you’ll need a long list of exciting indoor activities on your agenda, anyway.

Upon my entrance to the MCA, I ran into Jenny Holzer: Protect Protect. Running until February 1, 2009 (and also in MCA’s permanent collection), Holzer’s exhibition of electronic installations is known for its language in a public space and for analyzing social and emotional realities. While her work is often political, for me, the electronic billboards represent the modern masterpiece that is outdoor advertising and subliminal messaging. Yep, you thought you were just waiting for the EL this morning. However, the red letters running across a black screen –a black screen you didn’t even know you were reading— just decided when you’d buy your next big mac too.

Also on display, the MCA’s USA Today exhibit showcases work from the 80’s and 90’s. Painting, photography and video express the ideology and ‘consequences’ of freedom, race, militarism and globalization in the modern era. In addition, memorable books on select topics were available for the public to peruse. Thought provoking, I noticed many adults sitting down to read them. Perhaps the book of celebrity caricatures commented on the pop-culture we’ve become increasingly obsessed with. Featured was Britney Spears’ belly button in her hey-day and “The Pitts,” when they were actually Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

Finally, I came across my favorite exhibit, which recalled my visit to Bilbao, Spain last year; The Artists in Depth: Works from the MCA Collection. The collection contains the work of Kara Walker, which was also featured at Bilbao’s Guggenheim during 2007 – 2008 in, Art in America: 300 Years of Innovation. If you’re out of the loop, the eccentric Frank Gehry designed the massive Guggenheim building of half shells which swallow Bilbao’s Nervion River, as well as the shells that sit in our Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millenium Park, just off our Lake Michigan.

Walker, an African American artist, creates paper-cut installations that often consist of large silhouette scenes resembling the stories of slaves who were once struck with everyday house utensils, a spoon, a knife. As her images conjure such an imaginative spirit while paradoxically portraying sad stories of race and gender, the art feels strikingly fantastical, like you’re watching a Disney film unfold in a parallel universe. They are intimidating and life-like.

Hopefully you’ll take advantage of our MCA. After all, it’s indoor fun when we’ve got an unfriendly outdoor environment. The MCA is located at 220 E Chicago Avenue. For hours of operation, location and additional information, log onto www.mcachicago.org

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The Alfresco Buzz Word

Fayth (aka Relaxocat), NBC5 Street Team
It seems that “terrace” is the alfresco buzz word this summer when it comes to lounging outside.  Take for instance, “Tuesdays On The Terrace” at MCA and “Indulge On The Terrace” at The Peninsula Hotel.  Both are decidedly different from each other, but both are lovely, so I’m thinking, “Why not?”  If you happen to be looking for some outdoor cocktails in the early evening, check them out.

(And you thought all I ever do is go see bands!)

• Tuesdays On The Terrace: At the Musueum of Contemporary Art you’ll find the terrace and sculputure garden behind the museum itself.  If you’ve ever been to the museum’s “First Fridays” event, you’ve probably stepped out onto the terrace to get away from the crowd of hook-up desperados.  Fear not!  “Tuesdays On The Terrace” is a much more relaxed crowd with live jazz, cocktails, and a dinner buffet ($18 – reservations recommended) or lighter fare from Wolfgang Puck’s cafe, called (of all things) Puck’s.  You can relax on the terrace or make your evening more chill by picnicking on the grass of the sculpture garden. Check out who’s jazzin’ on their website.Every Tuesday until Sept. 30 / 5:30-8 p.m.
  MCA – 220 E. Chicago Ave.
  Reservations for the dinner buffet are recommended – (312) 397-4034

• Indulge On The Terrace: The Peninsula Hotel is a five-star hotel and well worth a visit even if you are a Chicagoan and don’t need a hotel stay.  Check out their penthouse terrace lounge adjacent to the Shanghai Terrace restaurant.  The upscale lounge has recently decided to become a bit more “user friendly” for those of us city dwellers and rolled out what they are calling, “Indulge On The Terrace”, meaning they are open Monday-Saturday between noon and 11 p.m. for light dining and cocktails.  There are complimentary hors d’oeuvres between 5-7 p.m., Mon-Thu and with drinks such as “Shang-ria” and “Zen-Green-tini” paired with small plates such as Asian Ceviche and Sesame Shrimp Toast, I’m sure you’ll feel like sticking around taking in the ambiance.  If you’d like to go visit, but aren’t sure if you want to blow a bunch of bucks, try going on a Monday evening for “Chicago Industry Night” from 5-7 p.m. where you’ll indulge in half priced cocktails, free hors d’oeuvres and DJ sets.The Terrace at The Peninsula Chicago
  108 E. Superior
  Reservations by calling:  (312) 573-6744

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Where Chipped Teeth and Great Art Come Together

Shlomi Rabi, NBC5 Street Team
(Video)

The gods have a funny of way of keeping us humble. We can’t get too cocky, or presumptuous, or arrogant. So they keep us in check by, oh I don’t know, giving us a sibling who is clearly better looking, or worse- having an ex marry someone who is much better looking than us. Thankfully, I never have to worry about either, which is why I have been walking all around town with an ego big enough to be mistaken for implants. But alas, my complacency came to a cruel and abrupt end last week when I chipped my tooth, and instantly looked homeless. Yep, that bad. No smiling for me, let alone karaoke.

Which is fine, because a great space where keeping my mouth shut and my newfound snaggle tooth from showing is the Museum of Contemporary Arts latest show- Exposed. The show–which I have already visited twice and will probably continue to stalk until I have memorized the size of each one (love is love) showcases the best that the famed Chicago institution has to offer. Highlights include works by Lorna Simpson, Rineke Dijkstra, David Robbins, Gillian Wearing, Jeff Wall, Sam Taylor-Wood, Cindy Sherman, Rashid Johnson and Andres Serrano. Curatorially, the show makes as much sense as wearing banana leaves to the opera, but the collection is so impressive that you almost don’t notice. Keep in mind that Tuesdays are free and the museum is also open until eight. So forget your hotter younger sibling, your current-reality-star ex, and your deformed canines, and allow yourself to draw inspiration–and humility–from a truly beautiful place.

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