The Elmhurst Art Museum’s new exhibit delves into our relationship with the environment through various artistic perspectives.
Elmhurst: The Elmhurst Art Museum is launching an exhibit called “Sustenance & Land: Five Artists Consider Our Relationship with the Earth.” It opens on January 25 and runs until April 27.
Curator Liz Chilsen shared that the idea for the exhibit evolved from photographs in their collection. It started with images from Chicago photographers Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman, which led to a broader exploration of land and landscape art.
Lochman pointed out that the exhibit reflects uniquely American themes, like our obsession with technology and the land as a resource. She noted that while we create new food, we often overlook the consequences of our actions.
One standout piece is “Fruit Loops Landscape,” where the colorful cereal is integrated into a natural scene, highlighting how our choices shape the land.
Ciurej and Lochman, who have collaborated since 1976, describe their work as “constructive landscapes.” They aim to create images that go beyond reality, often inspired by global issues that disturb them.
Their section of the exhibit features ten photographs, small sculptures, and an installation based on their book “Recipes for Disaster,” which discusses the climate crisis through a recipe format.
One recipe, “Baked Alaska,” humorously illustrates the dangers of climate change, using ingredients like starving polar bears. They hope to engage viewers with humor while addressing serious topics.
Other artists in the exhibit include Chunbo Zhang, Claire Pentecost, Tomiko Jones, and Lydia Cheshewalla. Cheshewalla is creating a multimedia installation that reflects on our relationship with the land.
She plans to showcase materials collected from nature and a sound piece from local musician Jessica Price, emphasizing the importance of caring for ecosystems.
Several events are scheduled alongside the exhibit, including an opening reception on January 24 and an artist talk on February 8. There will also be workshops and performances throughout the exhibit’s run.
The Elmhurst Art Museum is located at 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave. in Elmhurst, with hours from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. For more details, you can call 630-834-0202 or visit their website.
