Nov 12th 2009

Michael Cheatwood: Daddy Issues

@ PEREGRINEPROGRAM

500 W Cermak Rd, 727, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening Thursday, November 12th, from 6PM - 9PM

On view through Thursday, December 3rd

In psychological terms, the phrase “daddy issues” describes the symptoms that stem from a child’s problematic relationship with the father figure, a tie fraught with psychosexual ramifications even into adulthood. “Daddy,” is also a tongue-in-cheek reference to the older man in an intergenerational gay relationship.

If “daddy” evokes authority, dominance, and influence, then in another sense, “daddy issues” is a figurative lens through which to look at Michael Cheatwood’s work.

Drawing on macho cliches, queer stereotypes and angst, the artist explores “daddy issues” in his painting and sculpture. Through the misuse of formalist tropes in limp-wristed gun racks, rearranged dirty dress socks, and dripping hard-edge paintings, Cheatwood questions the ways we think about (modern) painting by embedding autobiographical, rebellious, shameful, queer, and perverse content within it.

What are finally realized are works that possess multiple qualities: pathetic, masculine, nasty, precious, bright and dark. As with all unresolved issues, the artist is clear about his ambivalence.

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