Illinois State Museum Exhibition Travels to the Schingoethe Center of Aurora University

Sub-Title: “Figurism: Narrative and Fantastic Figurative Art from the Illinois State Museum Collection” brings together historical and contemporary body-based artwork from the Illinois State Museum

ISM Location: Springfield

For Immediate Release:

AURORA, Ill. – The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University presents the exhibition “Figurism: Narrative and Fantastic Art from the Illinois State Museum Collection” opening on Tuesday, February 11.  Curated by Illinois State Museum Associate Curator of Art Douglas Stapleton, “Figurism” brings together artwork that emphasizes the power and the range of the narrative and expressive human figure in Midwestern art.

The exhibit begins on February 11 with an opening reception from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., and runs through Friday, April 24. The Schingoethe Center is located in the Hill Welcome Center at 1315 Prairie St., in Aurora, Illinois. The museum is open each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and each Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The artworks in the exhibition were selected from the collection of Illinois State Museum to celebrate this pluralism of styles and content.  All the works share an adherence to some form of representation, and the power of the human figure to carry feeing, memory, and experience. Additionally, they have been selected with an eye toward something fantastic — a heightened sense of the super-real, supernatural, whether through aggressive, expressive form, high-keyed color, inventive graphics, or ambiguous situations. They push beyond simple answers that spark us into thinking about our lives.

About Schingoethe Center of Aurora University
The mission of the Schingoethe Center of Aurora University is to foster inquiry, celebrate artistic excellence, preserve and perpetuate Native American cultures, and inspire a lifelong engagement with the visual arts. The museum provides cultural and historical enrichment that builds bridges between the classroom and the world beyond and supports Aurora University's continuous 100-year tradition of valuing the arts. For more information, visit https://aurora.edu/museum/

Illinois State Museum
The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, lifelong learning, and stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage of Illinois. The Museum integrates its original research and diverse collections to advance knowledge and create thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs and resources. The Illinois State Museum is a system of museums and galleries serving the people of Illinois with locations in Lockport, Lewistown, and Springfield. The Museum also partners with like-minded organizations across Illinois to bring its unique collections and research to broad audiences. Learn more at https://illinoisstatemuseum.org/.

Contact Person: Douglas Stapleton

Contact Email: douglas.stapleton@illinois.gov

Contact Phone: 773-480-1060

Release File (pdf): ism-au-exhibit-feb2020.pdf

Release File (doc): ism-au-exhibit-feb2020.docx