Absurdity: In Dada We Trust

When the world goes mad, the arts go Dada.

Exhibition dates: June 23-August 5, Mon-Sat 10am-4pm

OPENING RECEPTION: June 23, 5:30-8pm. FREE and open to the public!

Racism and extremist nationalism are empowered, and bullies are applauded. Women’s rights are being set back by 50 years, and the LGBTQ community is dangling by a thread as individual rights are regulated but assault weapons are not. Social media has highjacked the news and the term ‘alternate set of facts’ has become the norm, no longer just the brunt of jokes. The world is witnessing a new rise of insanity.

For artists, it’s a clear call to look to the past for guidance and take a stand. How? In a word: Dadaism. Created as a reaction to the absurdity of war and the propaganda of WWI, Dadaism was the reaction of a group of artists from another time in history when the world was on the brink of madness. That is why The Art Center Highland Park, Stola Contemporary Art, and Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art are building a coalition to fight back against the current trend toward insanity. This collaboration is happening by combining efforts to invite as many other art institutions, theatre companies, filmmakers, dance companies, writers, musicians, and creatives to participate in our communal movement/exhibit -Absurdity: In Dada We Trust.

Exhibit dates at The Art Center Highland Park are June 23-August 5, 2023, Monday through Saturday, 10am-4pm. The opening reception – free and open to the public – is set for June 23, 5:30-8:00pm; there will be light refreshments, an open bar, and live music by Jazz Guitarist, Brian Citro.

Contributing arts organizations have set their own exhibit and event dates in coordination with the project as a whole: Stola Contemporary Art, Women’s Caucus for Art, Woman Made Gallery, Alma Interiors, Evanston Art Center, Industry of the Ordinary, Beverly Arts Center, and more are planning to join soon. The collaboration continues up until Spring of 2024 (and maybe even beyond) when they hope to present the project. The goal is to forge connections that break divisions in our city, in our country, and in our world; connections that are not a one-time thing but last into the future!

The Art Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the North Shore’s home for artistic discovery and creative exploration. Through innovative programs, exhibitions, and classes designed for all levels and ages, The Art Center provides a welcoming space for our diverse communities to experience and participate in the arts.

Image info:
‘Always Ask A Man” by Sally Edelstein. Photo courtesy of the artist.

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Tags: Absurdity: In Dada We Trust, Alma Interiors, Beverly Arts Center, Brian Citro, Chicago Women's Caucus for Art, Evanston Art Center, Highland Park, Industry of the Ordinary, Sally Edelstein, Stola Contemporary Art, The Art Center Highland Park