Artist Series: Connie Noyes

Located right off the red line at Cermak/Chinatown, is where I found Chicago-based artist, Connie Noyes and her spacious studio.  Even with high ceilings, great views, and numerous works-in-progress - my attention was grabbed by one thing - materials.  Moving from art therapy to photography,  Noyes found her niche in the materiality of installation art.

Recognizing her move to Chicago as the start of her use of bright pink, Noyes has effortlessly evolved as an artist of, and for, her medium. Giving much praise to 1970's artist Agnes Martin and the daily, abstract situations life puts her in - Noyes is a true eccentric, and her art is no exception.  

Connie giving Sydney a peek of her new digital photomontages

Exhibiting her newest installation work at the "Chicago's Twelve: Twelve Artists Mobilizing the Earth - Garfield Park Conservatory" (with Kim Guare!)  Connie is excited (and undoubtedly ready) to take her art into a new visual environment.  However, from personal experience in her studio, it seems that the environment is irrelevent - as Noyes's works pull you in through intricate details, and multiple layers - sending the viewer into a chaotic, and beautiful, perceptual crisis.

With a drive that leaves her constantly in search of more materials to fall in love with, and one of the most open-minds in contemporary art to vibrant color palettes, Noyes is not only proud of her usage of pink, but is on the hunt to encourage fellow artists and designers alike to join in as well, with her mission/blog onemillionpink. 

As an art historian, I am at times torn at technological advancements and their effect on art.  Often, I find myself believing that the materiality of art (not its content) has suffered for our technophilic ways.  My meeting with Connie was a humble reminder that visual artists are still concerned with their process, and materials - and I am truly grateful.

Connie's constant work-in-progress that she uses to vent frustrations on

Join her cause, if you're an artist or designer! In the Pink - the 1,000,000 people art project

If not, then definitely take a look at her other works here.

Artist Series: Rineke Dijkstra

During my weekend excursion to Chicago, I stumbled upon the excellent contemporary photography collection of the Chicago Institute of Art. One gallery in particular, housed eleven works by Dutch photographer, Rineke Dijkstra (their full collection contains 23 of her works!) - and it took my breath away. Her subdued palettes, extra-large compositions, and raw subject matter kept me mesmerized.  Luckily, I was traveling with a fellow art historian, so I wasn't rushed through the process.

All of the eleven works shown were an excerpt from her Beach Portraits series completed in the early-90s.  Her subject: young, adolescent children of all genders, ages, and nationalities - making the point that the transitional awkwardness that adolescence and puberty brings is something that crosses international borders.  It's a transition experienced by all - a phenomenon - a universal.


The work of August Sanders instantly hit me as a reference point to Dijkstra's work.  In favor of Dijkstra's work, I feel that she is not only seeking a universal concept, but forcing its acknowledgment as well. Sanders work, Faces of Our Time (which I adore) lacks an aggression, and as such - an honesty, that Dijkstra truly captures.


If you get a chance - these are a must-see.

Now: Summer "To-Try" List

Don't get me wrong: I am well aware that my generation embraces the so-called "hipster" movement.   I have also realized that being an art historian (or anything associated with art - Thierry Guetta is absolutely NOT included here) comes with its territory of labels - most of which I'm proud to live with.

This summer, like most summers of youth, has been a growing experience: complex and uncomfortable, as well as simple and beautiful.  In honor of this paradox we call "summer" I have compiled a list of things "to-try".  Join me if you dare.

1. Buy a vintage bike, and actually commit to restoring it! Mine? A 1977 Schwinn Collegiate

2. For god's sake - PLANT something, or, lots of things.

3. As you know from my previous post - read, read, READ.

4. Push yourself to start random conversations (and yes, with random people).

5. Try to get your hands on student-ran campus publications. Mine? The Barnard Bulletin, YOTS

6. Go on iTunes and listen to random artists, albums, and songs - discover something new - then promote them.

7. Fight for a cause.  Mine? I am a feminist.

8.  Speaking of feminism - take a look at this empowering blog.

9. Write a letter, ride your newly restored bike to the post office, and mail it to your best friend.

10. Wake up at 6:30am (or sometime much earlier than normal), grab a tea, and sit outside.

11. Watch a documentary (if you're an art person and are in the mood to be left perplexed/angry, try Exit Through the Gift Shop by Banksy

12. Stop tanning.

13. Take a weekend trip! Mine? Chicago, this weekend!

14. Stop being so judgemental and go on a date with someone of the same sex

15. Type "hipster" in on Urban Dictionary - have a good laugh, and be proud of our generation.

Artist Series: Alexander Newman

Photo Courtesy of Alexander Newman

I am posting this announcement a little early (out of pure excitement) - during my undergraduate career as an art historian at Miami University I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with several art studio students - one of them being Alexander Newman (photography focus).

During the Art Open House in Spring 2011, I happened across a self-portrait (NOT shown here) taken by Alex, and it shook me - in the best of ways.  Working mostly in black & white, Alex recognizes the essence of everything he captures - especially himself.

I don't want to speak too soon, or say too much before our interview! Check out his great website in the mean time!

Alexander Newman