Catch Barrymore's Ghost this Weekend at Jackson Junge Gallery

(story, below, by Pat J. Daily. In addition to Barrymore's ghost, there is a Spring Dance in the gallery's pipeline, and more, per the gallery's latest e-newsletter)

Jeffrey Baumgartner and Diann Squiers formed Chicago City Creatives in 2010 to "to develop and promote a collective of artists from all disciplines including the visual arts, music, theatre and performance, film, and installation in an effort to explore and exploit the dialogue between them." So now they're doing a play in an art gallery.

Jason Miller (Father Karras in The Exorcist; he won a Pulitzer for his play That Championship Season) wrote the one-man play and toured it extensively. In it actor John Barrymore is a ghost doomed to haunting a theater during rehearsals for a new play. Local actor Baumgartner says in his press release, "I had the good fortune to play Hamlet about fifteen years ago, as well as having appeared as Barrymore in the wonderful comedy I Hate Hamlet. and with Barrymore's Ghost I get an opportunity to tap into that particular and extraordinary energy that is Hamlet, a role for which Barrymore was quite famous, if not infamous. Too, it is tremendously exciting to have a go of it while being surrounded by all of this original artwork."

The show runs Fri-Sat 4/15-4/23, 8 PM, Sun 4/17, 5 PM, at Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee. Tickets are $25; group sales and dinner theatre packages are available at Tocco Chicago, 1266 N. Milwaukee. Call 773-227-7900 for reservations and more information. --Pat J. Daily


[ED. Note/Disclosure: Jackson Junge Gallery is a valued Pipeline sponsor. Just say 'Pipeline' for a special discount on tickets to Barrymore's Ghost-- and smile at our ad if you see it in the play's playbill!]

Get Your Time Machine on! Jason Brammer at Jackson Junge, Friday May 6, 6-9PM

FUTURA OBSCURA

The Timeless Art of Jason Brammer

Special Exhibit Jackson Junge Gallery Friday, May 6 – Sunday, July 3, 2011

Opening Reception Friday, May 6, 6pm – 9pm

“Futura Obscura,” a collection Jason Brammer’s most recent mixed media paintings and signature Time Machines, will be on exhibit at the Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, from Friday, May 6, through Sunday, July 3. Brammer’s new series features the timeless imagery of the seascape. His work imparts a sense of nostalgia while suggesting an enduring quality that transcends past, present and future.

An opening reception, where Brammer will demonstrate his unique painting techniques, will be held on Friday, May 6th, 6pm- 9pm. The exhibit and reception are free of charge. In the days leading up to the opening, the artist will create a special wall installation at the gallery. Passerby will be able to observe the artist in action through the venue’s large showcase windows.

The artist infuses a feel for antiquity into his paintings by incorporating gauges, recycled wood, vintage handles, and other items he finds in the alleys by his studio and salvage yards. Many of his pieces merge painting with the art of assemblage. In his latest series Brammer obscures the line between two-and three-dimensional perception further by painting flat cutout surfaces that appear to be folding like a traditional Japanese screen.

Brammer applies acrylics, colored plasters and transparent glazes to various surfaces using a combination of airbrush and paintbrush techniques. He often scrapes the paint to reveal portions of the surface below and sands the edges of his work for an antiquated appearance. He creates the effect of rusting, weathered metal with layers of paint and plaster.

“My seascape paintings and Time Machines evoke a sense of mystery,” says Brammer. “Upon closer inspection, people are surprised to discover that my pieces are not what they appear to be at first. One assumption is that I incorporate photography. In actuality, everything is hand painted.”

While Brammer’s work does not include photography he is inspired by the unique metallic coloring of early photographic images from the 1830’s call daguerreotypes. In addition, he employs the airbrush, a technique more commonly associated with photography.

“The airbrush helps me achieve a soft, luminous effect that creates depth and photographic realism in my painting,” says Brammer. “I’ve been fascinated with the airbrush ever since a high-school art teacher introduced me to it years ago.”

‘My Time Machines evolved out of my love for turn-of-the century aesthetics as well as the mechanical, modern environment that surrounds me in Chicago,” says the artist. “I create artifacts reminiscent of Art Nouveau while incorporating gadgets of urban futurism. Ultimately, I want these pieces to provide a glimpse into another era, dimension or lifetime.”

Jason Brammer resides in Chicago’s Logan Square community and has a studio in Ukrainian Village. His work has been featured in numerous local and national art exhibitions. The artist has created site-specific installations and murals for a variety of venues.

In addition to the art installation at the Jackson Junge Gallery the week of May 2nd and the painting demonstration at the exhibit’s Opening Reception on May 6th, Jason Brammer will be at the gallery on Saturday, June 4th, 2pm, to chat about his art and creative process.

The Jackson Junge Gallery features the work of Laura Lee Junge and other contemporary artists. The Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm and Sunday, 12 Noon to 5pm. Closed on Monday.

Art Opening, Fri. March 11: Irena Saparnis at Jackson Junge Gallery

SILK LIGHT

The Luminous Art of Silk Batik – Irena Saparnis

“Silk Light,” a collection of batik art by Irena Saparnis will be on display at the Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., from Friday, March 11, through Sunday, May 1, 2011. An opening reception with the artist will be held from 6pm – 9pm on March 11th. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

Per a press release from the gallery, Irena Saparnis is renowned for her distinct style and unusual art form.

While most batik artists work with cotton, Saparnis’ fabric of choice is silk. Painting on silk is relatively common especially in Asian cultures, but its role in batik is somewhat unique.

“Early on I began experimenting with fabrics and fell in love with the results I could produce on silk,” says Saparnis. “The material itself has a luminescence that brings a whole new quality to the final composition. Light bounces off silk creating a look you could never achieve with the dense fiber of cotton.”

In addition, silk absorbs dyes differently than cotton. Saparnis says she can produce more brilliant colors with the fabric. Her work seems to cast a glow; people often ask if she has them lit from behind.

“Silk Light” focuses on three composition themes; Floral, City Scenes and Abstract.

Floral (PICTURED): Saparnis is widely known for her floral compositions. A signature trademark of her work includes the exquisite “poppies” created in numerous iterations. Common to all of them is a vibrant, ruby red hue that is rare to find and difficult to achieve in batik. “Silk Light” includes representation of the artist’s popular still-life bouquets as well as more current work.

Among the latter is “Flying Flowers"(PICTURED): Like many of the artist’s recent compositions this piece features blossoms, petals, stems and leaves in a cascading free fall, introducing a whole new dimension of energy and vitality.

"City Scenes": Irena Saparnis enjoyed an early career in architectural design. Today, that interest is reflected in her work. Her city scenes focus on mundane civic structures; her mission is to infuse them with new spirit and coax out the character she knows lurks within.

The piece titled “Confetti,” PICTURED, shows a lack-luster city street in Chicago’s Loop. The elevated train tracks cast a shadow over buildings and pavement. Brightly colored confetti, inspired by the Blackhawks ice hockey championship win, transforms the scene into one of joy and celebration.

To create the city scenes, Saparnis transfers original photographs to the fabric. Through the dye and waxing process of batik, she adds her enhancements. Some of the pieces are further embellished with hand embroidery or by applying pieces of lace and other materials.

Abstract Design: Saparnis confesses that her abstract pieces are primarily an exercise in learning and experimentation. “I’m not an abstract person,” the artist claims. “Florals, city scenes and human figures are the common subjects of my work.

Despite her caveats, Saparnis’ abstracts are delightful to behold and often showcase an intensity of color it is hard to believe can be realized through the variable process of dye and wax. Many of these works incorporate design elements from plant life or building grids. The pieces allow her to test new techniques.

“Batik has been a part of my life for so long I am able to lose myself in it” says Saparnis. “I’m constantly discovering through trial and error. What I love most about my art is the unpredictability. You can only manipulate the dye and wax to a degree. The process has a life of its own and you never know what that might lead to. It is that element of surprise that keeps me so engaged and challenged.”

Irena Saparnis, a native of Lithuania, currently resides in Willow Springs, Illinois. Her batik art has been featured in numerous exhibitions and shows through the United States and abroad. While her work is represented at the Jackson Junge Gallery year-round, “Silk Light” marks her first solo exhibit at the venue.

The Jackson Junge Gallery features the work of Laura Lee Junge and other contemporary artists in Chicago. The gallery is open Monday thru Saturday from 11am – 8pm, Sunday from noon to 5pm, closed on Monday.

Images from the Bucktown Arts Fest Kickoff Party at Jackson Junge

A fun time was reportedly had by all at the 25th Annual Bucktown Arts Fest Kickoff Party, held this past Thursday evening at Jackson Junge, 1389 N. Milw.

Note: Due to being under the weather, we were not able to attend. All images are courtesy of Sarah of the Bucktown Arts Fest.

On the Way to the Imaginarium

In addition to innovative Flat Iron happenings of late (The "Now You See It, Now You Don't" show) new Wicker Park art neighbors like the Coalition Gallery and Jackson Junge are staying open late on First Fridays to showcase their galleries as well as to bring more art lovers to the neighborhood. In BizSpeak I think this is called a "win-win." Is there a name for it in the Art World, too? 

 

Pictured are "Mirror World" by Vladimir Ovtcharov and "Serenity," by Daniela Ovtcharov. Click on the images to enlarge them. )

For Immediate Release:  February 17, 2010

Media Contact:   Chris Jackson or Lisa Elkuss   773-227-7900

 

ON THE WAY TO IMAGINARIUM

Artwork of Vladimir and  Daniela Ovtcharov

Special Exhibit    Jackson Junge Gallery   March 2 – 21, 2010

Opening Reception Friday, March 5, 5pm – 9pm

 

The artwork of Vladimir and Daniela Ovtcharov will be featured in a special exhibit titled “On The Way To Imaginarium” at the Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., March 2 – 21, 2010.  An opening reception, free to the public, will be held Friday, March 5^th from 5pm – 9pm. Both artists will be present at the opening event.

 

Described as “Visionary Fantasy,” the art created by this husband / wife team tell stories drawn from the artists’ vivid imaginations as well as worldwide mythologies and fables.  Thirty acrylic, oil and mixed media pieces will be on the display.  The artists utilize techniques of the European Renaissance masters to convey modern-day themes.   Natives of Bulgaria, the Ovtcharovs currently reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The show at the Jackson Junge Gallery offers a rare opportunity for Chicagoans to enjoy their work.

 

Vladimir and Daniela met nearly twenty-five years ago while attending the National Academy of Fine Art in Sofia, Bulgaria.  While each possesses a distinct style, their art is complementary and the couple always show their work together.

 

Daniela originally studied art conservation and restoration. Upon graduation from art school she applied her skills to deteriorating art work from 14^th and 15^th century Europe.  There is clear evidence of that period in her own creations.  “My women have the soft, ethereal beauty of females in renaissance paintings,” says the artist.

 

Vladimir’s art also incorporates old European techniques while capturing modern human behavior and social themes.  Both artists are versatile engaging with a variety of mediums. Their work includes paintings, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture and other art forms.

 

“People are attracted to our work for a variety of reasons,” says Vladimir.  “The main draw seems to be the element of fantasy.  Our paintings are open to interpretation; we don’t try to impose our views. We encourage people to use their imagination and create their own meaning.”

 

                                                               

EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS:

 

Mirror World: Vladimir Ovtcharov, Mixed Media, 35” x 23”, 2009

Two women posed side by side appear to be the mirror image of one another. Upon closer inspection subtle differences emerge in facial features, hand positions and costume. Headdresses in the shape of ancient ships contain miniature cities, suggesting the strength and power of the “individual” women supporting them.  This mixed media piece is a replica of the artist’s original acrylic painting. Covered in a clear resin the addition of gold leaf, dry leaf, glass and other materials add texture, dimension and a new aesthetic to the work.

 

Beauty and Her Beast IV:  Vladimir Ovtcharov, Acrylic, 18” x 24”, 2009

A beautiful woman cuddles a troll-like creature who is ensconced in a princely crown. While most people would judge the creature to be “ugly” there is an endearing quality as he gazes at the woman with adoration.  This is one of four pieces in a series of Beauty / Beast paintings by the artist. Vladimir pursues the theme as one indicative of life…the balance between opposites; the subjective nature of what is beautiful and good.

 

Serenity:  Daniela Ovtcharov, Oil, 42” x 24”, 2009

In recent years the artist has painted a series of nude women nestled in sea shells. In this painting a lovely female is snuggled into the pearly mouth of a conch shell.  Viewers read different symbolism into the image…the protection of the womb…Venus rising out of the clam shell free of inhibition and fear…the strength encompassed in a delicate shell.  The colors in the piece are notably muted from the bold reds, oranges and blues more typical of Daniela’s work. Winter whites provide a sense of peace, harmony and serenity.

 

The Ovtcharovs recently published a book that features their work along with narrative composed by their daughter. The book, also entitled “On The Way To Imaginarium,” is available for purchase at the Jackson Junge Gallery for the run of the show. The artists will sign copies at the March 5^th reception.

 

The Jackson Junge Gallery features the work of Laura Lee Junge and other contemporary artists. The Gallery is open six days a week, free of charge. Hours are Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 7pm, Saturday: 10am – 6pm, Sunday: Noon – 5pm.

 

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High resolution images are available upon request.                                              

 

 

Jackson Junge Gallery

773.227.7900

www.J2gallery.com