Reference the commercial display, the objects that entice you for a season or more. Encased in delicate constraints that prevent you from reaching in to caress the satin fabric. Like taking an apple from a bowl, only to discover artificial lightness, and dismay at its unappetizing smell, these windows show us what we want but leave us undernourished. The seasonal objects that celebrate a moment, or a sacrament, may last for only one night. Trapped in their commercial home, could they live anywhere else? Just as a bird that chooses to stay in his cage, gazing at the objects from the street gives us comfort and sustenance. However, the plastic fruit is not edible, the dress would rumple and fray. Like a treasured museum piece, they are surrounded by light and security that increases their visual value. These commercial displays affect not only the way we consume products but our understanding of beauty and desire. The object may be beautiful, but so is the display.

ABOUT MOBILE EXHIBITIONS

Mobile Exhibitions is produced by Ries Productions, created by John Song. It would not have been possible without support from Alpha Bruton, Chicago Artists Month, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chris Furman, Comet Way Inc., DNMDesign, Phantom Gallery, J&S Photo Service, Inc.

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Mobile Exhibitions 2 is part of Chicago Artists Month, the twelfth annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual art community coordinated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and sponsored by the Chicago Office of Tourism with additional support from 3Arts. For more information, call 312-744-6630 or visit www.chicagoartistsmonth.org.

This project is supported by a Community Arts Assistance Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.