culture, current calendar
This very special exhibit absolutely merits your attention. The Cultural Center may not be on your normal agenda but Nick Cave, a Chicago artist
with a fast-growing national and international reputation has fashioned some wondrous sculptural "sound suits" that will be on view there only until July 9. The color image at left is courtesy of the Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.
Cave, an assistant professor at the Art Institute and chairman of fashion design there has used some of these pieces in performance; indeed the videos shown along with the exhibit provide a broader view of these amazing works in action. Recycling has been brought to new heights; nothing is off limits. If you've never thought of reusing ordinary lint from a clothes dryer, think again.
African-American cultural images abound. There are strong connections with African tribal costumes. You'll find points of reference to some of the costume displays at the Field Museum, for example, but Cave expands such things imaginatively on his own. See if you can find other historical references that resonate particularly strongly in the U.S.
As evening activities begin at Millenium Park, you can easily see this exhibit with the Cultural Center's expanded hours, have a picnic and attend a concert, all at once.
Nick Cave Soundsuits, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Sidney Yates Gallery, Fourth Floor. Daily 8AM- 7PM; Fridays til 6PM, Saturdays 9-6, Sundays, 10-6.