Art Rocks - Self-Guide

It’s no surprise that art and music are often influenced by each other. Below, take a tour through some of the musically inspired works in the Art Institute’s collection. Then visit the museum or the My Collections page on the Art Institute’s website to get your own ideas for additions to our Art Rocks self-guide. Submit them to the comments section below and they may be added to an upcoming Art Institute self-guide!

Check back to hear about the latest exhibits and events at the Art Institute of Chicago!

English Channel, Weston Cliff (1994)

Although this photograph isn’t the same exact image used on the cover of U2’s latest album—No Line on the Horizon—it sure looks like it. This photograph, from the Art Institute’s collection, and Boden Sea, the photograph on the U2 album, are both from Hiroshi Sugimoto’s “Seascapes” series. The series includes 200 black and white images of the sea and the sky, bisected by a horizontal line precisely in the middle of each photograph. Sugimoto referred to the process of photographing the series as “witnessing the creation of the universe.” I wonder what Bono would say about that. Hiroshi Sugimoto.
English Channel, Weston Cliff, 1994. Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Fund. more>
 

Girls, Tricky (2001)

Girls, Tricky is a powerful, tough portrait of musical creativity in the extreme. In this video (currently up in the Modern Wing), McQueen portrays the London-based experimental “trip-hop” musician and producer Tricky (born Adrian Thaws) as he rehearses a track in his dimly-lit recording studio. Four days spent together in this confined space resulted in an exquisitely intimate and sensitive representation of the singer. Of this experience, McQueen recalls: “I wanted to get as close to the artist as possible. He has this certain je ne sais quoi, like Marlon Brando or James Dean. Tricky possesses a certain spontaneity, which also influenced the film. Tricky is someone who entrusts himself to his own voice and tries to find out where it may carry him. It’s a rare moment that you see an artist close up gearing himself up for a vocal performance in such a visual way. In effect, a moment not for camera is caught.” Steve McQueen.
Girls, Tricky, 2001. Wilson L. Mead Fund, through prior gift of Lucille L. and Joseph L. Block; Curator's Fund, Cyrus Hall McCormick and Annabelle Decker Funds, Claire and Gordon Prussian Fund for Contemporary Art. Copyright 2001 Steve McQueen. more>

My Collections

Want to create your own personal guide to your favorite art at the museum? Start building your own personal art gallery! more>

Submit your own part of the Art Institute collection that you feel relates to or was inspired by music here!
 

Paper Works

an exhibition featuring works on paper by members of the project 465’s resident artists
Bouba, Rory Coyne, Alex Darida, Predrag Djordjevic, Tara Fadenrecht, S. Hill-Sanchez, Hyeseung Shin, Tom Walther!

July 2 – August 27, 2009
opening reception: thursday, july 2 from 5:30-8:30pm
art talk: thursday, august 6 from 6:30-7:30pm
 
contact info: 312 321-1001 or
reposegallery@rivereastartcenter.com

REpose Gallery presents
eARTh: Global Consciousness

REpose Gallery presents eARTh: Global Consciousness, a group show featuring the work of nine Project 465 resident artists: Bouba, Sergio Ceron, Jose Luis Corona, Rory Coyne, Alexandru Darida, Predrag Djordjevic, Tara Fadenrecht, S. Hill-Sanchez, and Hyeseung Shin.  With the notion of exploring, reflecting and commenting on the current state of our evolution, this exhibition is concerned with both conventional and unconventional interpretations of many hot-button issues that affect our global condition via a multiplicity of mediums and subject matters. The exhibit runs May 1st – June 26th, with an opening reception on May 1st from 6-9pm. Gallery hours are 8:30am-5pm M-F by appointment on Saturday and Sunday; for more information contact reposegallery@rivereastartcenter.com or call 312.321.1001.

The Arts

When you think of “art” in Chicago, there is a magnitude of opportunities to choose from. Among them- the “Bean” in Millennium Park, The Field Museum, the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, and even the incredible Lake Michigan. Much like WXRT, the arts in Chicago are one of a kind.

Dance

The City of Chicago celebrates dance of all genres. From ballet to contemporary dance, Chicago dance companies have it all. Ballet lovers enjoy performances at the Joffrey Ballet; the Harris Theatre offers a new venue and an experience that engages challenges and inspires the whole family, and those looking for a modern take on dance look to the Hubbard Street Dance Company. Chicago dance offers an experience filled with exuberance and innovation making it a must when art in Chicago is concerned.

Film

As Chicago’s Finest Rock, we’d be extremely remiss to not mention film in Chicago. As a city that embraces artistic expressions of all sorts, there is always the opportunity to get out there and see something! Whether you’re looking to spend an evening under the stars in Grant Park with a classic or catch up on the most recent Oscar winners, Chicago’s got it.

Architecture

Chicago, Illinois is known for its architecture and has long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and Holabird & Root. It is with such incredible influences that Chicago has created spaces, places, and structures that, together, define Chicago.

Theatre

Chicagoans and tourists alike visit theaters featuring Broadway musicals and boutique performances on a regular basis. From the loop to the north side, there is always an array of theatres, performances, and locations to choose from.

Comedy

Looking for a good laugh? You’ve come to the right place! There is a constantly changing line up of improve troupes, stand up comics, and much more rolling through Chicago and hitting some of your favorite venues; Second City, IO, Zanies, and the Del Close Theatre just to name a few. Whether you’re looking for your favorite national act or a local Chicago comedian you’re in the right town.