A major art exhibition, "Over My Head: Encounters with Conceptual Art in a Flyover City, 1984–2015," is now open in Chicago's West Town. This complex show features works that were originally produced, exhibited, or sold in the city, aiming to redefine Chicago's place in the international art world. It runs until October 11 at 400 N. Peoria St.
Key Takeaways
- The exhibition runs through October 11 at 400 N. Peoria St. in West Town.
- It showcases conceptual art created or displayed in Chicago from 1984 to 2015.
- Curators aim to challenge the perception of Chicago as a secondary art city.
- The show features works from important past and present Chicago galleries.
- It was a central event of the third annual Chicago Exhibition Weekend.
Challenging Perceptions of Chicago's Art Scene
Curators Gareth Thomas Kaye and Iris Colburn organized "Over My Head" to highlight Chicago's significant contributions to conceptual art. They seek to counter the common belief that major art opportunities exist only in cities like Los Angeles or New York.
According to Kaye, many artists and art professionals view Chicago merely as a transit point. "I’ve spoken to so many artists who are like, ‘I was in Chicago for a layover,’" said Kaye, who serves as Gertie’s director of curatorial affairs. He noted that international contacts often express a desire to visit but admit they "always flying over it."
This perception has led to Chicago being seen with an "asterisk" next to its name in the art world. Kaye believes large-scale exhibitions like "Over My Head" prove that this asterisk is no longer necessary. "There are very serious people and artists living and working here, and there have been forever. It’s just a matter of asserting that a little bit more loudly," he stated.
Exhibition Details
- Title: Over My Head: Encounters with Conceptual Art in a Flyover City, 1984–2015
- Location: 400 N. Peoria St., West Town, Chicago
- Dates: Opened Friday, runs through October 11
- Focus: Works produced, exhibited, or sold in Chicago
Showcasing Local and International Talent
The exhibition features works from notable Chicago galleries and institutions, both past and present. These include the Donald Young Gallery, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA Chicago), the Art Institute of Chicago, and Robbin Lockett Gallery.
These spaces have played a crucial role in supporting local artists and drawing national and international talent to the city. Kaye specifically mentioned Robbin Lockett Gallery, which closed in 1992, as a pioneering space. "Robbin was one of the first people in Chicago to show people that are now household names in the art world," Kaye explained. He added that Lockett was deeply interested in art from New York and Central Europe, especially Germany.
Featured Artists and Key Works
Among the artists featured in "Over My Head" is Wendy Jacob, whose work was previously shown at the Robbin Lockett Gallery. Her piece, an "Untitled" inflatable rubber sculpture made from truck tires and powered by vintage hairdryers, is part of her "Breathing" series. These sculptures are designed to mimic the act of inhaling and exhaling.
Another prominent work is Dara Birnbaum’s five-channel video installation, "Tiananmen Square: Break-In Transmission." This piece, which made its Chicago debut at the Rhona Hoffman Gallery in 1991, broadcasts competing narratives about the deadly 1989 protests in China. The Rhona Hoffman Gallery, a half-century-old institution, closed this year.
"Rhona not only presented this work, she co-commissioned it," said Iris Colburn, a curatorial associate at MCA Chicago. "So this is a beautiful moment in which you see how a gallerist is supporting artists, and how Chicago has shown incredible work that has been really pivotal to artists’ careers."
Chicago Exhibition Weekend
"Over My Head" served as a main attraction during the third annual Chicago Exhibition Weekend. This event, organized by the civic and cultural agency Gertie, drew thousands of visitors to over 50 galleries and art spaces across Chicago. It also collaborated with the ongoing Chicago Architecture Biennial, which focuses on innovative design.
Recognizable Pieces and Artistic Connections
Visitors may recognize several works in the exhibition. Kay Rosen’s bright pink "Elvis, Elvis" mural, for example, was originally installed on the exterior of MCA Chicago’s former building in 1994. In "Over My Head," it is positioned on the second floor, overlooking other works.
Below Rosen’s mural is Gaylen Gerber’s "Backdrop/Over My Head: Encounters with Art in a Flyover City," a paper-based display. Also prominent is Tony Lewis’ phantom-like figure, constructed from drawings on red butcher paper coated with graphite powder. These pieces are reshaped each time they are exhibited. One of Lewis’ works, "Untitled 5 (2015–)," previously shown at the Shane Campbell Gallery, was inspired by the "bogeyman" figure in Francisco de Goya y Lucientes’ "Los Caprichos" print series.
Rashid Johnson, a Chicago native, also has work in the exhibition. His piece, "Remembering D.B. Cooper," references the 1971 hijacker who parachuted from a Boeing 727 with $200,000 in ransom. The artwork, which features wooden chairs, shea butter, and plants suspended from the ceiling, was previously displayed in the storefront windows of the Monique Meloche Gallery. Johnson currently has a major solo exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum.
Art and Economic Impact
According to Gertie founder Abby Pucker, the arts sector generates a significant amount of money for cities and states annually. She emphasized the need for more investment in the arts, stating that many leaders do not fully understand its economic importance. The Chicago Exhibition Weekend aims to reintroduce policymakers and corporate leaders to the city’s vibrant art scene.
Advocating for the Future of Galleries
Colburn expressed hope that the exhibition will advocate for increased financial support for art galleries. Many galleries across the sector are facing closures, as exemplified by the Rhona Hoffman Gallery, which operated for fifty years before closing recently.
The exhibition underscores the historical role of Chicago galleries in fostering artistic careers and bringing important works to public attention. By showcasing these connections, "Over My Head" aims to solidify Chicago’s reputation as a vital global art center, attracting both cultural recognition and necessary investment.