The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

What a truly global village we get to live in called Chicago, where art and culture unite. Not only did I get to view Kara Walker’s art in Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Spain, but I also got to see her work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. And—among other amazing exhibitions—her art was just down the street from where Gehry designed a shell that would later reflect the Guggenheim in Spain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. Here’s the synopsis of what’s to see at the MCA, and what happened to me; a real life déjà vu. With this winter weather, you’ll need a long list of exciting indoor activities on your agenda, anyway.

Upon my entrance to the MCA, I ran into Jenny Holzer: Protect Protect. Running until February 1, 2009 (and also in MCA’s permanent collection), Holzer’s exhibition of electronic installations is known for its language in a public space and for analyzing social and emotional realities. While her work is often political, for me, the electronic billboards represent the modern masterpiece that is outdoor advertising and subliminal messaging. Yep, you thought you were just waiting for the EL this morning. However, the red letters running across a black screen –a black screen you didn’t even know you were reading— just decided when you’d buy your next big mac too.

Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art 2Also on display, the MCA’s USA Today exhibit showcases work from the 80’s and 90’s. Painting, photography and video express the ideology and ‘consequences’ of freedom, race, militarism and globalization in the modern era. In addition, memorable books on select topics were available for the public to peruse. Thought provoking, I noticed many adults sitting down to read them. Perhaps the book of celebrity caricatures commented on the pop-culture we’ve become increasingly obsessed with. Featured was Britney Spears’ belly button in her hey-day and “The Pitts,” when they were actually Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

Finally, I came across my favorite exhibit, which recalled my visit to Bilbao, Spain last year; The Artists in Depth: Works from the MCA Collection. The collection contains the work of Kara Walker, which was also featured at Bilbao’s Guggenheim during 2007 – 2008 in, Art in America: 300 Years of Innovation. If you’re out of the loop, the eccentric Frank Gehry designed the massive Guggenheim building of half shells which swallow Bilbao’s Nervion River, as well as the shells that sit in our Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millenium Park, just off our Lake Michigan.

Walker, an African American artist, creates paper-cut installations that often consist of large silhouette scenes resembling the stories of slaves who were once struck with everyday house utensils, a spoon, a knife. As her images conjure such an imaginative spirit while paradoxically portraying sad stories of race and gender, the art feels strikingly fantastical, like you’re watching a Disney film unfold in a parallel universe. They are intimidating and life-like.

Hopefully you’ll take advantage of our MCA. After all, it’s indoor fun when we’ve got an unfriendly outdoor environment. The MCA is located at 220 E Chicago Avenue. For hours of operation, location and additional information, log onto www.mcachicago.org