Other places, works of Chicago

Statement

Works in Other places were produced during a 12 month residency in Chicago, USA. I Responded to the rich, ethnic diversity (urban apartheid) of the city of Chicago. While living in the near west adjoining an African American housing project, the social inequity and poverty inherent in these communities was all prevailing.

The architectural heritage of Chicago, particularly the remnant bitumen coated water towers that were constructed on major 19th century buildings across the city. The towers were designed to supply water for use in case of fire emergencies. Although, now largely obsolete in this utilitarian way, the towers similar to other American cities are an identifiable part of the city skyline.

The large scale works produced with mixed media (charcoal, conte, gouache) respond to race politics in the US and the constant layering of obsolescence and renewal in the architectural fabric of a post-industrial city.

* Please note all documented works in this series are held in collections in the USA.