2013: Fernando Pareja & Leidy Chavez @ The Mission

Above: Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez at THE MISSION Chicago for the opening of "Leap into the Void" on November 15, 2013.

Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez
"Leap into the Void"
November 15 – December 21, 2013
Organized by curator Gilbert Vicario
THE MISSION Chicago
1431 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL

http://themissionprojects.com/

"Using a combination of pre-cinematic devices, haunting soundtracks, and a restrained minimalist sensibility, the artists create awe-inspiring kinetic vignettes that are drawn from lived experiences, yet connect on an emotional and universal level. Their work draws on Colombian history and its ongoing struggles with left- and right-wing political factions, violence, and the recent uprising by farmers demanding more government support.

The installation is an investigation into how 19th century animation devices - such as the zoetrope and praxinoscope - can effectively be used in a contemporary context as a viable means of communicating a potent message. Pareja and Chavez's interest in these antiquated technologies seem to come at an appropriate moment when the creative potential of digitally-based technologies seems tapped out and saturated."

Quotation above from: http://themissionprojects.com/exhibition/32/leapintothevoid

Above: The beeswax, acrylic, cardboard, and wood base of "Oppressed Oppressors," in full light, absent electronic animating effect.

Above: A detail of "Oppressed Oppressors," electronic animating effect suspended by on-camera flash, November 15, 2013.

Above: Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez posing with "Oppressed Oppressors" at THE MISSION Chicago on November 15, 2013.

Above:
Still images (1-4) November 15, 2013;
Copyright Paul E. Germanos.


Above: YouTube video, from praxinoscopio, illustrating animation in the work of Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez, as found accompanied by the following text: "Animación en tiempo real, presentada por los artistas Colombianos Fernando Pareja Y Leidy Chavez, en la feria internacional de Arte de Bogotá ArtBo, pabellón Artecámara 2012. Una amplificación de la imagen en Movimiento."


Above: "Oppressed Oppressors" animation as found in a Vine from Tyler Blackwell, produced at THE MISSION Chicago on November 15, 2013.


Above: Fernando Pareja and Leidy Chavez provide a statement about their work, as found offered by  Universes in Universe on Vimeo.

2013: Kristina Paabus @ The Mission

Above: Kristina Paabus in THE SUB-MISSION for her opening reception on November 15, 2013.

Kristina Paabus
"a box for each of us"
November 15 – December 21, 2013
THE SUB-MISSION / THE MISSION Chicago
1431 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL

http://kristinapaabus.com/

http://themissionprojects.com/

"Paabus' work investigates the use of information systems to enforce perceptions of structure and order. Through a multidisciplinary approach, she creates images, environments, and situations that straddle reality and illusion. These hybrid spatial conversations elaborate on the relationship between physical structure and an individual's perception of his or her surroundings.

In this site-specific installation, Paabus explores ideas of surveillance and control. Influenced by theater and panopticons, she examines the melding of public and private spaces. Paabus is interested in the idea of 'being watched' and the resulting perceptual effects. In a box for each of us, the panopticon is a representation of contemporary information gathering techniques, confining individuals and groups to both constant display and categorization."

Quotation above from: http://themissionprojects.com/exhibition/33/aboxforeachofus

Above: Kristina Paabus' installation "a box for each of us" in THE SUB-MISSION on November 15, 2013.

Above:
Images (1-2) November 15, 2013;
Copyright Paul E. Germanos.

2014: Jeff Austin @ The Mission

Above: Jeff Austin's installation "You Have No Idea" in THE SUB-MISSION at THE MISSION Chicago on March 7, 2014.

Jeffrey Michael Austin
"You Have No Idea"
March 7 – April 19, 2014
THE SUB-MISSION / THE MISSION Chicago
1431 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642

http://www.jeffreymichaelaustin.com/

http://www.themissionprojects.com/

"The installation presents a textual reference to a commonly used contemporary English expression – 'You Have No Idea' – spelled hazily around the room’s perimeter. Countless strands of white thread stretch from the text to a cluster of forms situated at the center of the project space. Supported by neodymium rare earth magnets, the forms pull each thread taut and suspended in midair. Exhibiting a perplexing natural phenomenon in conjunction with an offhand expression, 'You Have No Idea' comprises a quiet and organic spectacle, instigating for the viewer a confrontation with humility and the unknown."

Quotation above from: http://themissionprojects.com/exhibition/41/youhavenoidea

Above:
Image (1) March 7, 2014;
Copyright Paul E. Germanos.