55a
Artist: William J. O’Brien
Maze
This vibrant artwork draws inspiration from the intricate patterns of quilts and the luminous beauty of stained glass windows. The composition is a kaleidoscope of geometric shapes, rhythmic lines, and vivid colors, evoking a sense of movement and harmony. Each segment feels like a window into a unique world, layered with dynamic forms and repeating motifs. The interplay of shapes and hues invites the viewer to explore their imagination—perhaps seeing flowers, stars, or abstract landscapes. The piece radiates energy and warmth, bridging craft traditions with contemporary abstraction, and encourages a meditative engagement with its complexity and balance.
55b
Artist: Lewis Lain
The Sun
For 16 years I have been telling an ongoing story on city walls.
An “omniscient” typeface designer named 53947 takes a world-spanning journey that encourages them to reevaluate their perception of what is known. Here, in Hyde Park, is another piece of the story.
“The sun comes up. The sun goes down. The day begins and ends with a singular moment, illumination breaking the horizon. The sun may guide us with its constant path bound by science, but we are not bound to the fabric in the same way. We can choose our own path: illuminate an extraordinary horizon.”
55c
Artist: James Emmett Jankowiak
12 Pangaes
The visual rhythm refers to time, just as music is sound measured in time. Pangae was our earth as it existed a quarter million years ago, when all lands were connected and began to split apart.
The slow drift keeps us in a perpetual state of motion that we don’t notice during our short time spent existing.
The original work is an acrylic painting on canvas completed in 2022, and measures 46’ x 72’.
55d
Artist: Alexandra Antoine
Benin Flower
“Benin Flower” is a portrait of a young woman I met and interacted with daily during my time in Ouidah, Benin in 2019. I depicted her holding a flower because I wanted to show the softness and delicacy of her being as she is someone who does a lot of work around the home she lived in. I included the hand-sewn sequined beadwork to accentuate some areas of the painting I wanted the audience to be drawn to and that compliments her portrait.
55e
Artist: Kara Cobb Johnson
The Great Chasm is Merely a Stream
The Great Chasm is Merely a Stream captures movement. It was inspired by 1990’s graffiti. How graffiti overlaps and incorporates many stories and voices over time. Its ability to enliven cosmopolitan spaces in an instantaneous glance while fulfilling the artists’ desire to become seen and heard. I encourage every viewer to find their own visual pathways and voice through my work. I am grateful to dedicate this to the Hyde Park Community, a place that creates space for free expression in the visual arts and a home to my practice for over a decade.
55f
Artist: Fantasía Ariel
Colorful Stories (Triptych)
Colorful Stories is a triptych featuring three Chicagoans—Laura, Sheriff, and Marta—each with a unique narrative. This work is a personal exploration of identity. Through intimate conversations, I learned about their lives, their goals, and their connection to Chicago. After spending time with them, I chose the photograph that I felt best encapsulated their spirit. The color palette was carefully selected to reflect their tone and energy in that moment. These paintings represent a blend of photography, painting, and personal connection, offering a glimpse into the complexity and beauty of each subject.
