Polish Museum of America

10 padziernika

Renowned Chicago Artist James McNeill Mesple visited us today. He is depicted in two paintings by Audrey
Ushenko, on display until tomorrow as a part of the Art For Heart annual fundraiser. Visit us tonight and see this
wonderful exhibition... Zobacz wicej

Art for Heart - Opening Night (zdjci

Artist Statement My large paintings are usually set and executed in public places. For this project, however, about
art in the Chicago area, renowned Chicago artist James McNeill Mesple let me use his studio. Mesple is fascinated
by the mythical roots of contemporary art, so this seemed the occasion to people his studio with prominent Chicago
artists and collectors, painted from life (including Encarnacion Teruel, Director, The Illinois Arts Council, Jane
Stevens, Director, Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, and Jessica Jagielnik of the PMA) in the guise of figures
from classical mythology. "On Ida's Shady Brow" has been shown at the National Academy of Design in New York
Annual Exhibition as well as in my solo show in New York at Denise Bibro Fine Art, my dealer. The title of the
painting is the first line of William Blake's poem, "To the Muses." I am a narrative figurative painter, and "Dr.
Faustus Resists The Foul Fiend" should be self-explanatory. The Holy Father is shown, as a young man and in older
age, engaged in the test of strength that brought down the evil empire. This is the first time that this painting is
shown.