Habitat 2317's 2rd Art Exhibition

Thank you for joining me for my 2nd group art exhibition at Habitat 2317! The "Wabi-Sabi + Grandeur" Art Exhibition took place on July 8th. This event celebrated the beauty of the imperfect and the perfect.

I was privileged to have five incredible Chicago-based artists joining, each bringing their own interpretation of this intriguing concept.

We challenged ourselves to find a blend between the natural and carefully crafted in the works and gallery. I was thrilled to welcome you all!

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Exhibition Statement

Wabi-sabi, a fundamental concept in Japanese aesthetics, embraced the beauty in imperfection, transience, and the natural aging process. It is the art of finding profound elegance in simplicity and quietness, cherishing the blemishes and marks that come with time and use. It sought out the authentic and the unconventional.

Grandeur, on the other hand, is a term deeply embedded in Western sensibilities, especially in the context of British high tea traditions. It is characterized by magnificence, luxury, and an adherence to the highest standards of aesthetic beauty. Grandeur represented opulence, perfection, and a kind of beauty that is meticulously curated and preserved.

The unadorned, organic allure of wabi-sabi and the lavish splendor of grandeur created a truly captivating dichotomy. It challenged us to see the world and beauty itself in a more complex, multifaceted way. It was about reconciling the natural with the carefully crafted, the fleeting with the enduring, and the humble with the extravagant. The dichotomy of wabi-sabi and grandeur urged us to understand and appreciate the full spectrum of beauty, from its rawest to its most refined forms. These examples ranged from the beauty in nature to the craftsmanship of human engineering.

Tea Party

The tea party was an invite-only event for 10 guests, blending both Japanese and British tea cultures into one seamless experience. We started with English Earl Grey black tea, followed by Japanese Sencha, and finished with Matcha. I hand-brewed all the teas and prepared the matcha in the traditional way. This intimate gathering provided a unique cultural fusion and set a serene tone for the evening's art exhibition.

Exhibition Response

A heartfelt thank you to everyone—artists, friends, and family—who attended our two-part "Wabi-Sabi + Grandeur" event. Your presence and support were integral in making the day a success.

Our journey began with an intimate afternoon tea, a soothing blend of art and culture, beautifully setting the stage for the evening's art exhibition. As the sun descended, the event transitioned into an open art exhibition, transforming our Lincoln Park apartment into a vibrant canvas of creativity. Despite the numerous moving parts, the day unfolded seamlessly thanks to your enthusiasm and participation.

We were thrilled to welcome over 50 guests, showcase 20 artworks from 6 talented artists, and celebrate as 3 pieces found new homes: Jackie Patiño's "Cover" and "Harvest and Camouflage," and Karyn Denten's "Dare to Reach".

This was the second group art exhibition hosted in our home, marking another milestone in our evolving artistic journey. I eagerly anticipate future gatherings and warmly welcome your insights and suggestions to help enhance our shared experiences.

A special thank you goes to my co-collaborator and installation wizard, Molly Miklosz. Gratitude also goes to our dedicated gallery assistants, Noah Denten and Jake Hollowed, and our superb bartending team, Eric Wisnewski and Jake Peavy. Lastly, our heartfelt appreciation extends to the participating artists, Marty, Karyn Denten, Skylar, Jackie, and Molly. Your creative endeavors breathed life into the event.

Artists and Their Statements

Marty Trejo creates character-driven artwork that reflects his life experiences and emotional journey. Skylar Sprague explores visual arts with no preconceived ideas, bringing joy and mental positivity. Jackie Patiño navigates religious trauma and Mexican upbringing, using colorful, exaggerated human forms to mask dark undertones. Karyn Denten is known for abstract landscapes, inspired by her daily commute, embracing both imperfect and perfect aspects of the journey. Molly Miklosz uses a traditional cross-hatch style in pen and ink, often drawing architectural commissions. Tyler Morales felt like he lost the allure of art but believes he has found it again.

Photo Library