Fall is always an incredibly busy season in Chicago’s art world, with new exhibitions opening across galleries and museums. Behind the scenes, many people in the community are working tirelessly to support artists and bring fresh perspectives to the public. We spoke with five insiders about what excites them now and what they anticipate next.

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Photo by: Sandro

Bob Faust – Artist

“It has been a busy season in the studio as I continue to self define exactly what my practice is. Where I have landed is a statement that is actually an example of my work its own right, “Art is Design is Art is Design is Art is Design and so on.” It’s my acknowledgement of design as an equal to art, as well as informative to each another. It’s about language and text, pattern and image, as well as installation and object. 

To that end I have a few projects I am thrilled to be working on and toward. On September 5, I open a two-person show with Mayumi Lake called “Shakkei” at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Shakkei means “borrowed scenery” and for me it’s the acknowledgement of a works connection and conversation with the space and all who have an encounter with it. You will see work that sits squarely in the design space but is without question art, and work that sits in the art space that is unquestionably designed. This is a show that is allowing me to comfortably own my space in the center of both.

Additionally, I am designing a new book about Nick Cave’s upcoming show at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, titled “Mammoth”, that will share the entire making process inspired by field guides. It is a very special book, as it has much personal attention across every page, making it unlike any other book we have done before.”

bobfaust.com