Mon 19 Jul, 2010
Found and Lost Art
Comments (0) Filed under: EXCLUSIVE PHOTO ESSAY, FeaturesTags: CHICAGO STAGE REVIEW Exclusive Images, Found and Lost Art
Photo Essay by Venus Zarris
Sometimes, visual artwork can be as transient as a theatrical production. Artwork can be found on almost every street of the city. Some of it comes by way of advertising, some by way of graffiti, some by way of sidewalk chalk, some by way of a sign or marquee and some by way public installation. There are of course the landmarks such as the Picasso in Daily Plaza, the lions in front of the Art Institute or the stained glass windows along the east wall of the Chicago Temple.
But art does not require permanency to be extraordinary. As a matter of fact, it is perhaps the fleeting examples of artwork that can create the most potent impact. In March of 2010, I visited the Flat Iron Building in Wicker Park to take in their SmArt Show that featured the resident artists of this gallery collective. On the way to the car after the show, I discovered this sprawling whimsical artwork on the wooden wall outside of The Violet Hour, a speakeasy on Damen Ave.
The artwork drew us into the bar, a relatively hidden establishment; much like the speakeasies of the prohibition. The artwork was not representative of the business but more a clever disguise or sneaky lure, much like the twitching fake worm of an angler fish drawing in its little fish prey or in this case the angler fish’s fake acorn drawing in a squirrel.
This art was clever because it drew you in without giving you any indication of what was behind it and clever because of its captivating yet simple playfulness. Upon a recent visit to the same location I discovered that the wall had been painted over. Much like a wonderful play, it was there one day and then gone the next. Much like a wonderful play, that ephemeral existence had no bearing on its excellence but rather made its charm and magic all the more urgent.
Here is a glimpse of this fleeting fantasy, which reminds us to keep our eyes peeled for the momentary wonders all around Chicago, both on and off stage.
* Unsuccessful attempts have been made to find the name of the artist responsible. Apologies to this brilliant artist for not crediting his/her work.
Images by Venus Zarris.
