Exploring the Delightful World of Human Bodies in Chicago
Chicago is currently home to two captivating solo shows that delve into the realm of human bodies. Both exhibitions are characterized by playfulness, wit, vibrant colors, and unconventional shapes. One exhibition, Huguette Caland’s Bribes de corps, showcases a series of whimsical and abstracted body parts painted in the 1970s at the Arts Club. The other show, Petal Fold, Rabbit Ear, Inside Reverse, at Compound Yellow, features idiosyncratic origami models created by Hai-Wen Lin, which also explore the theme of human anatomy in a unique way.
Artistic expression can take many forms, ranging from explicit declarations to subtle nuances. Artists have the freedom to choose their mode of communication based on personal preference, emotional resonance, and cultural context. In the case of Caland and Lin, their works offer different perspectives on the human body, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities and beauty of corporeal existence.
Huguette Caland: Embracing Feminism and Pleasure
Huguette Caland, born in Beirut in 1931, led a remarkable life defined by feministic pursuits and unapologetic pleasure-seeking. Her paintings exude a sense of joy and liberation, reflecting her bold and adventurous spirit. Despite facing professional challenges throughout her career, Caland gained recognition in her later years, with retrospectives at prestigious institutions like the Drawing Center in New York and the Reina Sofia in Madrid. The current exhibition at the Arts Club focuses on her iconic Bribes de corps series, showcasing a playful and provocative exploration of body parts through abstract forms and vibrant colors.
The Bribes de corps series, created between 1968 and 1980, features exuberant and whimsical depictions of body parts that blur the lines between abstraction and figuration. Caland’s clever use of shapes and colors evokes a sense of playful eroticism, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface and explore the deeper layers of human anatomy. From suggestive buttocks to enigmatic facial features, her paintings invite contemplation and celebration of the human form in all its diversity.
Hai-Wen Lin: Crafting Origami Narratives
On the other hand, Hai-Wen Lin’s exhibition at Compound Yellow offers a different perspective on human anatomy through the art of origami. Lin’s intricate origami models, inspired by childhood creations and personal narratives, push the boundaries of traditional paper folding techniques. The exhibition features a range of origami sculptures, including a life-sized human figure and abstract shapes that challenge conventional notions of form and structure.
Lin’s origami artworks, infused with personal narratives and poetic symbolism, invite viewers to reconsider the relationship between body, identity, and art. By exploring the intricate folds and creases of paper, Lin reflects on themes of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. The exhibition at Compound Yellow serves as a visual exploration of the artist’s journey towards embracing a new identity and finding beauty in imperfection.
Both exhibitions offer a unique perspective on the human body, inviting viewers to engage with art in a playful, thought-provoking manner. Whether through Caland’s vibrant abstractions or Lin’s intricate origami narratives, the shows in Chicago celebrate the diversity and complexity of the human form.
Huguette Caland: Bribes de corps is on display at the Arts Club of Chicago until August 2, while Petal Fold
