Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Museum of Art

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Steve Christensen
LUMA
312.915.6164
schris6@luc.edu

Loyola University Museum of Art Collage Exhibition Extended

The Grand Spectacle: Collages by Doug Stapleton to Run Through May 27, 2012

CHICAGO, May 1, 2012The Grand Spectacle: Collages by Doug Stapleton, currently on exhibit in the Loyola University Museum of Art's (LUMA) Harlan J. Berk Ltd. Works on Paper Gallery, has been extended and will run through May 27, 2012.

A Chicago artist, Stapleton cuts images from art books and combines them with contemporary imagery to set up visually ambiguous narratives. The exhibition contains more than 50 collages, which draw on symbols and metaphors from art history, language, popular culture, and religion. These figurative collages respond to the grand spectacle and drama of western art history, often creating surreal juxtapositions of past and present. One such example, Logo, is a collage that absurdly presents a classical sculpture wearing a Nike athletic shirt. Collages like Incubus (pictured) and The Golden Child position art historical images of Christ at the center of fantastical dramas involving mythical characters or a riot of flowers.

Stapleton's unique and diverse background informs the way he constructs his collages. In addition to being a visual artist, Stapleton is a performance artist, curator, and educator. He is an assistant curator of art with the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery and a former artistic associate with The Seldoms, a Chicago-based contemporary dance company.

Image Credit: Doug Stapleton, Incubus, 2010. Collage on board

About LUMA
Opened in 2005, the Loyola University Museum of Art is dedicated to exploring, promoting, and understanding art and artistic expression that illuminates the enduring spiritual questions of all cultures and societies. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, LUMA reflects the University’s Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping people of all creeds explore the roots of their faith and spiritual quests. Located at Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus, the museum occupies the first three floors of the University’s historic Lewis Towers on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit the museum’s website at LUC.edu/luma.

Art illuminating the spirit!

-LUMA-