Chinese artist Xu Bing on inspiration, creativity and the future of art
By Jenny G. Zhang What is the source of inspiration? According to acclaimed Chinese artist Xu Bing, the answer is all around us. “Our creations will always be a response to the new energy and questions or problems that occur from our social reality,” said Xu, who spoke before a full auditorium at the Art […]
Musical celebrating Chicago’s black cultural history to debut at the Chicago Theater
By Marisa Endicott For one night this Saturday, Bronzeville is taking over the Chicago Theater. “Bronzeville The Musical” tells the story of the Great Migration, the exodus of African-Americans from southern states to northern cities during the greater part of the 20th century. The musical, an original production by the Chicago-based Mahdi Theatre Company, celebrates the arrival […]
Englewood comeback proves ingenuity is homegrown
By Rebekah Frumkin With Englewood set to welcome a Whole Foods on 63rd and Halsted and an adjacent Starbucks this year, the South Side neighborhood is battling stereotypes that it’s an unlikely choice for expansion. “It was almost a national joke, Whole Foods coming into Englewood,” says Jim Harbin, program director at the Greater Englewood […]
Comedy troupe “Stir Friday Night” delivers laughs, with a side of Asian-American humor
By Jenny G. Zhang “Don’t fall asleep with the fan on!” a mother tells her son as she bids him good night, citing a Korean wives’ tale that sleeping with the fan on will result in death. Scoffing, the son ignores the warning and nods off. In the darkness, the fan swivels to a halt […]
Chicago festival celebrates hip-hop arts’ positive impact
By Marisa Endicott Some might claim that “hip-hop is dead,” but the 7th Annual Winter Block Party for Chicago’s Hip Hop Arts this Saturday suggested otherwise. “If you go to the spaces, if you go to the open mics, it is alive and well,” said Damon Williams, a performer and activist emceeing for the event. […]
An art piece is worth “34,000 Pillows”
By Vishakha Darbha Alejandro Figueredo Diaz-Perera watched over the makeshift sewing studio at Soul Asylum, an art exhibition focusing on immigrant stories of struggle. Perera is one half of an artist duo, with Cara Megan Lewis. Together, they call themselves Diaz Lewis. At Soul Asylum, their interactive artwork is titled “34,000 Pillows,” inspired by the […]
