Gabe Lanza
@ One River
4625 North Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625
Opening Friday, November 16th, from 6p - 8p
On view through Wednesday, December 26th
As a multidisciplinary artist, Lanza’s paintings, mixed media works and fiber studies introduces a simple story that freezes the dialogue while allowing the viewer to imagine what’s happening before and after. While drawing inspiration from his travels around the world as a rug designer, his interest in folk and textile art offers an aesthetic richness full of colors, narratives and textures.
Lanza’s work process is split between the exploration of the medium being used and a heavily sketched out and clear understanding of the finished project. This process allows him to work toward something slightly abstract that becomes more focused as his decisions with the materials and sketches play themselves out.
Challenging the judgement between textiles and fine art, Lanza’s new direction in fibers embraces a technique that in the United States is traditionally called “womens crafts” and often pushed into other craft disciplines like sewing and quilting.
He investigates what this practice means and how it is possible to renew this traditional craft for a contemporary and modern audience. In doing so, he allows the viewer to question the commercial ambition often associated with the technique used to produce rugs or carpets.
Regardless of media or artistic discipline, Lanza’s work is a materialization of his nostalgia for cartoons and toys of the past, blending a delicate balance of humor, beauty and awkwardness.
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Tags: Chicago, Gabe Lanza, Lincoln Square, one river
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