Saturday, April 26, 2025

The 2025 EXPO Chicago Art Fair



I really enjoyed visiting this year's EXPO Chicago Art Fair at Navy Pier. On my way there, I passed an exhibit that's on view at the pier, curated by artist Dana Todd Pope of The Women's LIVE Artist Studio, a showcase of portraits by unsung heroines of our local creative scene, called Giving her Her Flowers. The first portrait on display is my friend Minnie Watkins' rendering of Dr. Margaret Burroughs, one of the founders of the DuSable Black History Museum and an artist in her own right. 




I recommend taking a look at it on your way to or from EXPO. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the show. My apologies for missing a few of the artists' names.



 
Alexis Peskine

Wangari Mathenge

Ayanda Mabulu

Kandy Lopez

Alison Saar

Reginald Baylor


Jennifer Nehrbass


Nathan Vincent




Anna Tsouhlarakis

Kenny Nguyen

Chun Kwang Young

Jorge Luis Santos

Allana Clarke

Ange Dakouo


Tia Keobunpheng

Andrew Holmquist

Leslie Barlow

Sara Suppan

John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres

Jaehyo Lee

Monique Frydman

Harry Morgan

Hwang Seontae


Rado Kirov

Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan

Esaí Alfredo
 
Thornton Kabeya

Ashley Cole


Jacqueline Surdell




The show continues through Sunday, April 27th and is definitely worth your time if you love contemporary art.




Monday, April 14, 2025

An analog alternative to the AI doll trend

Anyone who's read my blog for a while would be correct in assuming that I'm not impressed with the trend that took social media by storm over the weekend. It seemed like every account I follow decided to use ChatGPT to make themselves into a blister-packed doll with various accessories. Personally, I think that dolls and action figures are a lot more fun when they're not AI.




Sometimes it's fun to set a seasonal scene with them.






Or evoke nostalgia for a previous era I remember.




Or, as I've done at my studio, display little figures that embody my interests.







Instead of using AI, you can go on eBay or Classic TV Toys and find a fashion doll or action figure that kind of looks like you, dress it up, and add a few accessories that represent the tools of your trade. It's fun. Try it sometime. Need inspiration? This Pinterest board features real dolls and miniatures made by people and not computers!