Art in the Market brings the universe to Wacker Drive | Chicago News

One of the city’s most public art experiences returns with a journey through the universe. Art on the Mart works with local cultural institutions to bring their work to Wacker Drive.

“You walk in Wacker and can take a journey through the universe,” the vice president of Museum Experience & Collections told Adler Planetarium, Andrew johnston, “It really is an amazing experience.”

It’s a light show like no other, featuring works from the Adler Planetarium and the Art Institute, along with works by artists like Bisa Butler.

“It highlights what excites us – being a platform that amplifies the work of other cultural organizations, even in the midst of a pandemic,” said the executive director of Art on MART, Cynthia Noble.

Art on the Mart’s unique location – projected onto the massive face of the building formerly known as the Merchandise Mart, offers optimal views whether you are on foot or by car.

Art on the Mart’s unique location – projected onto the massive face of the building formerly known as the Merchandise Mart, offers optimal views whether you are on foot or by car. (WTTW News)

“There are four different streaks,” said Johnston. “It starts with Earth, our home planet. Then it moves around the planets and shows different worlds. Then we go to the stars and show people how the stars evolve and change over time, and then we go beyond. We show people the scale of the universe and how it came to be what it is now. “

This galactic excursion is paired with tunes provided by Sun Ra, a jazz composer known for his “cosmic” sound, which can be heard from the speakers along the Riverwalk.

“Sun Ra came from outer space,” said Matt Mehlan with Creative Audio Archie at Experimental Sound Studio. “He came to Earth and hoped to bring everyone back through the power of music. Build a spaceship from his music. So his music is really eclectic.

This space trip is just one of the many screenings featured on the Merchandise Mart. The 30-minute shows also feature work by Chicago Public School students and portraits of Obama. While Art on the Mart continues to partner with existing institutions, they also recognize the importance of showcasing local artists. This means that they always accept proposals.

“Over the long term of this project, we will be able to show an even larger and more diverse range of projections. We therefore invite everyone to participate. “

You can take your own journey through the world of the arts every night at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. along Wacker Drive.

Visit: www.ArtontheMart.com for more details.

Follow Angel Idowu on Twitter: @ angelidowu3

Angel Idowu is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts correspondent.

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