Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Hans Habeger and Robert McCann: Strip Malls, Superstores and the American Landscape


At the Parkland Art Gallery...











Monday, June 27–Monday, August 1
Reception Thursday, June 30 with gallery talk by Hans Habeger at 7pm
Artist lecture by Robert McCann on Tuesday, August 2 at 10am in gallery

This exhibition includes paintings that explore the byproduct of American consumer society through the landscape that is formed in the areas surrounding strip malls and superstores. Both artists share a decidedly different interpretation in the paintings they construct. Habeger, assistant professor at College of Lake County in Evanston, Illinois, finds pause in the desolate asphalt landscapes through his rendering of light and shadow in often overlooked locations, embedding beauty in utilitarian design and breathing new life into vacuous locations. McCann, assistant professor at Michigan State University, creates a scenario of events that foster the portrayal of American society captured through the disorienting lens of reality television and kitsch B-rated horror films. Each artist imbues a seductive quality into the paintings they construct—Habeger through seeing the landscape through a fresh perspective and McCann through drama and chaotic action.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Parkland is a section 504/ADA-compliant institution. For accommodation, call 217/351 2505.

Parkland Art Gallery
2400 West Bradley Avenue
Champaign, Illinois 61821-1899
Gallery Office 217/351-2485
www.parkland.edu/gallery

Summer Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday – Thursday: 6 – 8 p.m.
Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday

To find the gallery when classes are in session, we suggest using the M6 parking lot on the north corner of the campus. Enter through any door and follow the ramps uphill to the highest point of the first floor, where the gallery is located. The gallery windows overlook the outdoor fountain area.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Objects, and Research, and Deadlines.....Oh, my!

Creating a temporary exhibit at the Spurlock Museum can take two years, so those of us who serve as exhibit coordinators are often working on multiple exhibits simultaneously....along with all our other duties. Currently, I am finishing up the final text on an exhibit of incredible Japanese woodcarvings that opens next month; doing research on shoes around the world for a fall, 2012, exhibit; and working with the Champaign-Urbana Spinners and Weavers Guild on a fall, 2013 exhibit that will feature items the Guild members will be creating that were inspired by artifacts in our Museum collections. All of these are fascinating in their own way.

For me, the best time of all is the early research phase, when I learn so many new things about the culture(s) and artifact(s) we will be displaying. Right now, I am reading and reading on shoes, finding out the most fascinating things. I will leave you with the following bit of shoe information: The average American woman owns at least 30 pairs of shoes. So put on your shoes and come visit sometime soon.