The exhibit, "Chicago A.D. (After Daley)" is at Jackson and Junge gallery in the 1300-block of Milwaukee Avenue. It looks at Richard M. Daley's 22 years in office and what the next mayor has to look forward to -- the good, the bad, the ugly.
"It's a visual commentary on the Daley administration and what the future it brings," Celia Greiner, Jackson Junge Gallery, said.
Fourteen artists were asked to create their images of future Chicago. Would the economy turn around for the next mayor or would for sale signs fill the neighborhoods? Can the economic engine get on track again? Or will the road ahead remain full of potholes? It's all part of what the artists see as the transference of power. From the known to the unknown.
"They could show whatever side they wanted to whether positive or controversial. Whatever issue they wanted to bring up. Anything they wanted to say. If they were angry about something they could express that as well," Greiner said.
Artist Thomas Joyce came up with an oil on canvas that basically says, "Never say never." Anything is possible in this city. One piece is a $8,000 painting called The Mayor of Mayhem that looks like it's right out of Alice in Wonderland.
"She's predicting mayhem. There's a lot the next candidate is going to have to deal with. It's going to be a big tangle," Greiner said of the artist.
Best of luck to the next mayor- whoever that may be.
Chicago A.D. (After Daley)
Jackson Junge Gallery
1389 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
(773) 227-7900)
j2gallery.com
