Urgent Review: New Sculptural Furniture Exhibits Open in Chicago

BREAKING: Chicago’s art scene is buzzing with the launch of three compelling exhibitions that challenge the boundaries of furniture and sculpture. Scott Burton: Shape Shift, Don’t Mind If I Do, and Andi Crist: Live, Laugh, Labor are now open, inviting visitors to reconsider the intersection of art and functionality.

Just announced: The exhibitions at Wrightwood 659, Gallery 400, and Cleve Carney Museum are redefining how we view everyday objects. This is particularly urgent for those who often find art spaces unwelcoming due to a lack of seating and accessibility.

At Gallery 400, artist Finnegan Shannon has created a giant conveyor-belt table surrounded by an array of chairs, where visitors can engage with small, holdable sculptures. This setup not only encourages participation but also emphasizes the need for comfort in public spaces. The exhibition, running until December 13, 2023, aims to make art more accessible to everyone, including those with mobility issues.

Meanwhile, Andi Crist pushes boundaries at the Cleve Carney Museum with her solo show, Live, Laugh, Labor, which runs until January 11, 2026. Crist’s work features a hand-crafted, absurdly incomplete ladder, challenging viewers to engage physically and conceptually with the art. Her pieces transform mundane objects into thought-provoking installations, making viewers reconsider their perceptions of utility and aesthetics.

However, the highlight of this artistic resurgence is the comprehensive survey of Scott Burton‘s work at Wrightwood 659, running until December 20, 2023. This exhibition is the largest of its kind in the U.S., showcasing Burton’s innovative furniture-as-sculpture designs. Visitors may already be familiar with Burton’s creations, as his polished granite chairs are installed at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Smart Museum.

Burton’s designs embody a queerness that reflects the complexities of identity and social dynamics, especially during the Reagan era. His iconic Two-Part Chair cleverly hints at intimacy while maintaining an air of denial about its implications. This duality is a significant part of what makes Shape Shift both visually engaging and intellectually stimulating.

As these exhibitions unfold, they not only celebrate artistic innovation but also advocate for more inclusive and comfortable public spaces. The emotional weight of these installations urges visitors to reflect on their experiences and the broader implications of accessibility in the arts.

The urgency of these exhibitions cannot be overstated. The discussions sparked by these works are timely, inviting both art lovers and casual visitors to engage with important social issues through the lens of creativity.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these transformative spaces. As Scott Burton once envisioned, public areas should invite everyone to pause and reflect. It’s time to take a seat—literally and figuratively—at these groundbreaking exhibitions.

For more information, visit Gallery 400 at 400 S. Peoria St., Cleve Carney Museum at 425 Fawell Blvd., and Wrightwood 659 at 659 Wrightwood Ave.. Admission to Wrightwood 659 is $20 per person.