The summer program of contemporary artwork and shows inspired by exhibitions The Obama Portraits and Frida Kahlo: Timeless makes way for work by conceptual artist Barbara Kruger.
We’ve been treated to months of stunning art spectacles on the facade of the Merchandise Mart since they returned for a spring program in collaboration with Adler Planetarium in April. After ‘Astrographics‘ transported viewers “from Earth to other planets and stars” in Spring, a summer schedule then lit up the 2.5-acre river-façade with exciting contemporary artwork and shows inspired by local exhibitions “The Obama Portraits” and “Frida Kahlo: Timeless”.
Now, these projections have come to an end and another Art Institute of Chicago exhibition inspires the fall program. This time, it’s the work of conceptual artist Barbara Kruger that will light up the Merchandise Mart each evening at 7:30 pm and 8 pm.
Running from September 17th through November 25th the “largest permanent digital art projection in the world” debuts the work of one of the most significant and visible artists of our time alongside the Art Institute of Chicago’s presentation of Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You.
Titled “Untitled (Questions), 1990/2021, Barbara Kruger“, the new projections display Kruger’s instantly recognizable works utiliziling bold texts and provocative messages to rigorously interrogate social relations and invite us to reconsider how we relate to one another.
“We are honored to feature the work of such a legendary contemporary artists on our platform,” said Cynthia Noble, Executive Director of Art on theMART. “With this installation, our site extends Kruger’s major retrospective beyond the museum walls and into the urban architectural environment, where the art is free and accessible to all.”
Attracting thousands to the Riverwalk and Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago every week Art on theMART provides a public platform for local artists, national artists, and international artists with work ranging from schools to renowned exhibitions and everything in between.
The 30-minute shows run nightly at 7:30 pm and 8 pm. The best places to view the projections are from the jetty section of the Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Franklin Streets.
For those who prefer to view the first night from home tune in to the livestream on the Art on theMART’s Facebook page. More information can be found at artonthemart.com/programming.
[Featured image from artonthemart.com]