Comments on: Richard Rezac at The Art Institute of Chicago

By: Robin Dluzen

Robin Dluzen — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 19:04:46 +0000

I very much agree that being highlighted with a museum show is an incredible honor for incredible artists, and (in my personal opinion) no one deserves it more than Rezac. And also, I do not believe that the Art Institute has any intention of marginalizing Chicago artists. But I do believe that context heavily influences meaning, and in this case, it cannot be ignored. All artists need to be aware of how our work is contextually framed when it leaves our studios, even if it happens to be in a prestigious institution.

By: Rene Romero Schuler

Rene Romero Schuler — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:15:44 +0000

First, let me say that I really love the writing in CAM. You guys do a great job of keeping things straight-forward and comprehensive.
Regarding the “Chicago Room”: I see your point, however, as an artist myself, I will just say – it would (to me) only be the most tremendous honor to ever be highlighted in a place like The Art Institute of Chicago. It is not charity that they would showcase any artist’s work. It is based on merit and critique, and surely any artist who is shown there has earned every bit as much admiration and attention as any other within those walls. Media often has the ability to diminish the positives by asking these types questions. But the Art Institute would not show anything marginal or that would not be worthy of becoming a part of art’s history.

By: Robin Dluzen

Robin Dluzen — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:25:19 +0000

It has been pointed out to me since the time of writing this article that the room severely segregates Rezac and his work from the rest of the art history of the surrounding museum. In fact, I believe that it has been used since the time of the Modern Wing’s opening exclusively for Chicago artists in the collection (Kerry James Marshall before Rezac).
Perhaps the room was meant to highlight Chicago artists, but is it doing more harm than good by presenting them as marginal, and separate from art history?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:43:23 +0000

Rezac’s work couldn’t look any more complete. Wonderful.