Chicago Heights, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The Christopher Art Gallery at Prairie State College (PSC) presents “Impact,” an exhibition of art that addresses the issue of the environmental impact of human’s use and abuse of the earth. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery Feb. 4 through 28, 2019. An artists’ reception is scheduled in the gallery from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 6. After the reception, there will be a “Chasing Coral” film viewing and discussion in the Proven IT Conference Room in the PSC Conference Center, located on the main campus at 202 S. Halsted St. in Chicago Heights.
Artists Brad Temkin, Cydney M. Lewis, Sandi Miot and Helen Dannelly seek to explore various aspects of the issues of climate change, pollution and sustainability through their works.
“The idea of the title Impact comes not only from the fact that these socially engaged artists raise awareness of these issues, but from the conviction that as individuals, all of our actions cause consequences for others,” says Gallery Director Beth Shadur. “These artists consciously choose to draw attention to how our actions as decision-making human beings affect the larger universe.” She states that their creative practice has a social impact on our behaviors, while they address the impact of human intervention on the earth.
Brad Temkin, who has recently been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship for his work, uses the medium of photography to look at man’s use of land. Temkin’s more recent projects include Rooftops, which document the urban phenomenon of rooftop gardens, where contemporary urban dwellers are attempting to mitigate the impact of climate change caused by the “heat islands” of cities.
Cydney M. Lewis takes a different tactic in her work to focus on our overuse of materials that can impact the earth through their lack of destructibility. Her works are derived from an urban environment of discard; the final impact is ironic in its ability for transformation and hope.
Sandi Miot and Helen Dannelly are collaborating on The Coral Project, works that reflect on the impact of global warming on our oceans’ corals. Through elegant and compelling organic forms, these artists create a plea for attention to this crucial climate issue.
“All four of the artists impact our understanding of our role as citizens to take action in response to climate change,” says Shadur. “Just as these artists have chosen through their work to make an impact, we too, can, with our conscious choices, make a positive impact on our world.”
The Christopher Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The college will be closed
This is news from Prairie State College.
