Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) has announced their upcoming spring exhibition, Citizen, will be on display from Friday, March 3, 2023, through Friday, June 16, 2023.
Citizen explores the complex perspectives of residents of the United States of America as many communities struggle for justice, freedom and basic human rights. The exhibit focuses on excluded histories of marginalized communities and the current state of those communities as they face the realities of climate change and political setbacks. All artwork in the exhibit is by BIPOC, LGBTQ and FEMME creatives.
The exhibition is curated by Chicago artist, Sam Kirk. Kirk is a multidisciplinary artist, who explores culture and identity politics. Her artwork focuses on a call to celebrate differences and enact social change. Vivid and powerful images of women, members of the LGBTQ community and those who have historically been underrepresented are celebrated. Her work has been featured in Disney’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Rolling Stone, O Magazine and Forbes, and she has collaborated with Vans, the Chicago Cubs and Comcast, among others. Recently, Kirk was listed as one of the top 50 Artists of 2020 in Chicago by New City Magazine.
The artists in the exhibit are Sarah Atlas, Nicci Briann, William Estrada, Anne Heisler, Sergio Maciel, Brittany Maldonado, Joseph Josué Mora, Hillesh Patel, CZR PRZ, André Rodríguez, Cristian Roldán, noemi rose, Denise Ruiz, Jessica Sabogal, Diana Solís, Angie Vasquez, Vanessa Viruet and Mer Young.
One of the artists featured in Citizen is mixed media artist, spoken word poet and clothing designer, Brittany Maldonado. Her inspiration comes from darkness, evoking thoughts of sadness and pain, but also parts of ourselves that are private or hidden. Everything produced by Maldonado is relatable, poignant and intentionally dramatic. “For some, my art will be too much,” said Maldonado.
Sergio Maciel, artist and muralist, is also featured in the exhibit. His work is influenced by his culture as well as the cultures and the people around him. The purpose of his work is to establish a connection with the viewer, question social inequities and convey the commonalities between cultures, respecting the differences between them and admiring the beauty. Many of his works depict the impact of pollution on communities of color.
Vivian Viruet is a Chicago-based fiber artist. She creates large scale works to examine complex histories. Flags and bandanas are often used to examine various cultural and sexual identities in her work.
Free, public events taking place during the run of Citizen include:
· Opening Reception on Friday, March 3 from 5-8 p.m. (Central)
· Director’s Gallery Talk on Saturday, March 11 at 11:30 a.m.
· Citizen Artist Panel Discussion on Sunday, March 26 at 5 p.m.
· Family Day on Saturday, June 3 from 1-3 p.m. includes a free tour, snacks and print making with artist, William Estrada
Free gallery tours are available for small groups and organizations. To schedule a docent-led tour, contact Janet Bloch at jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org. To schedule a children's tour, contact Nelsy Marcano at nmarcano@lubeznikcenter.org.
For more information, contact Samantha Bean, LCA’s marketing manager, at (219) 874-4900 or sbean@lubeznikcenter.org.
