Karl Wirsum talk at the Chicago Cultural Center

Chicago Imagist artist, Karl Wirsum, will be speaking at the Chicago Cultural Center tomorrow night, Thursday.  This will be part of a panel discussion featuring Karl with James Yood of the Art Institute of Chicago, Russell Bowman of Russell Bowman Art Advisory, collector Barbara Klawans, Imagist artist Gladys Nilsson, and artist Darrell Roberts.  In addition to talking about his work, Karl will also receive the 2010 Ruth Horwich Award to a Famous Chicago Artist from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  The Department created this award last year as a tongue-in-cheek reference to honor Chicago artists who've done well.  The award is named after the seminal, "Don Baum Sez 'Chicago Needs Famous Artists'" art show curated by art critic Don Baum in 1969 and presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art at the time.

I've enjoyed viewing Karl's work over the years.  From his "Plug Bug" mural that was viewable at Block 37 for many years (and honored in this posting here on Architecture Chicago Plus) to his painting of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, which Hawkins liked enough to feature on one of his album covers, Karl's work has always taken drawing to electrifying heights.  His colors and designs radiate a fun energy.  His "Armpits" painting made me laugh when I first viewed it with its fur glued to the woman's armpits.

Karl continues to produce new work including shows at Jean Albano Gallery and a commission at Midway Airport honoring the Tuskegee Airmen.  He also just had a show of early drawings at Derek Eller Gallery in New York this past month.

Karl Wirsum Panel Discussion
at the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington St
5th floor
Chicago, IL

Thursday, October 28, 2010
6pm
*Free*