(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The Merchandise Mart is once again lit up with art for the 2024 season of ART on THE MART.
On Friday, international artist Nora Turato’s piece titled “THIS IS A TEST OF SEVERANCE. can you let go?” was shown in front of dozens of people who gathered for the start of the spring season.
“The artist needs to be someone who can see the potential in activating this larger-than-life canvas,” Executive Director of Art on the MART Cynthia Noble said. “And Nora truly rose to the occasion for this piece that explores our culture’s desire for self-optimization and the control we exercise in ourselves in the collective pursuit of improvement.”
“THIS IS A TEST OF SEVERANCE. can you let go?” not only included a projection, but also audio that can be heard on the riverwalk across from the Merchandise Mart. That audio paired with the visuals takes viewers on a journey with a woman who is tasked with letting go of the stresses of her life.
The Amsterdam-based artist’s projection debuted in conjunction with Expo Chicago, which is making its 11th appearance in the city.
This vivid projection will be visible nightly at 8:30 now through June 5.
The next projection will be by British-Nigerian multi-disciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori, and will debut on June 6.
Last year, to mark the fifth anniversary of ART on THE MART, Dr. Raphael Gygax was hired as the first guest curator of digital art.
“This is the first year of our collaboration with Dr. Raphael Gygax, and we are thrilled to debut the work of international artists spanning the globe, as well as continuing our local partnership with Chicago institutions,” Noble said in a press release about the line-up for this year.
This balance of programming ensures that we are both celebrating local talent while also bringing international talent to The MART and Chicago, which is core to our mission.”
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