In Pursuit – a collaborative exhibition by Thomas Lucas and Abi Gonzales
Seize- a solo window exhibition by Mariel Harari
Referential mania – a solo outdoor installation by Paul Gerard Somers
September 1-29, 2018
Gallery hours: Saturday 12-5 and by appointment

“In Pursuit” describes the journey of artistic exploration for two artists, Abi Gonzales and Thomas Lucas. “In Pursuit” describes the journey of artistic exploration for two artists, Abi Gonzales and Thomas Lucas. Abi is from Chicago and her work is influenced by the heavy industrial area where she grew up as well as her Mexican American heritage. Tom is from the Philadelphia area originally and his work is influenced by the syncopation of jazz and hip hop mixed with rhythm of car culture which surrounded him growing up.  The chase is on. Shapes spin, snip and stab, driven to find an artists need to find order out of chaos. Looking for meaning and purpose within the process of creativity. Reaching for balance between shimmer and vibration, between movement and mark….. a conversation of passion and finality.

Mariel Harari is a multimedia artist working in installation, fiber, video, sculpture and performance. She utilizes bright, tactile materials reminiscent of childhood, employing playful splendor as a lure. Harari creates immersive environments that blend autobiographical and fantastical narrative, often utilizing herself as a subject in conjunction with imagined creatures or landscapes. Seize is an imagined world grounded in laborious craft processes including weaving and bag making. Each process adds layers of texture and intimacy. The motif running throughout Seize features a slightly abstracted figure who appears to be pulling her own hair. The figure is both in control and subservient. She balances on lines between empowerment, sexualization and objectification.

Harari has been a sponsored artist at High Concept Labs as well as an artist in residence at both the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts and the Vermont Studio Center. She earned her B.S. in Studio Art from Skidmore College, where she received the Marguerita Mergentime Award in Fiber Art. Her work has been exhibited throughout NY and Chicago and has been reviewed in publications such as Brooklyn Magazine. Harari was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and currently lives and works in Chicago, IL.

Paul Gerard Somers is an artist and designer living and working in Chicago, IL Paul holds an MFA from the University of Chicago and has shown his work nationally and internationally. Paul’s work manifests itself in many formas ranging from sculptural objects to video and live performances.

Image: Thomas Lucas, “Portrait No. 2”, Medium, drawing on auto radiator.

Official Website

More events on this date

Tags: Abi Gonzales, Humboldt Park, Ignition project space, In Pursuit, Mariel Harari, Paul Gerard Somers, Referential mania, Seize, Thomas Lucas