by: Andrew Waner
An exhibit dedicated to exploring the connections among art, science, and the human condition.
With an interest in geometry, machine aesthetics, architecture, and nature, Jessica Grondek’s recent work is inspired by machines from the early part of the 20th century, vintage trade catalogs, domestic objects, Da Vinci’s inventions and contemporary art movements.
“These works are comprised of charcoal and pastel drawings on paper developed on top of digital print substrates, as well as oil and digital print on canvas,” according to Gondek on her website.
Gondek’s home is in Chicago where she also earned her B.F.A at the School of the Art Institute. She is an associate professor at Loyola University Chicago where she teaches painting and drawing in the Department of Fine Performing Art, according to the artist’s website.
Gondek’s work has been exhibited in several galleries and public collections around the world. The Phoenix Gallery in New York and the Abdijhoeve Ten Bogaerde Cultural Art Center in Belgium are just a few of the many places.
“The processes and forms that constitute the building blocks of my creative work result in imperfect models. I create images that are intended to generate multiple connotations and layers of content,” Gondek wrote on her website.
“Over the past decade my work has involved painting and both digital and traditional printmaking mediums,” according to Gondek’s artist statement.
Gondek wrote on her website, “On the surface these images are intended to promote an artificial sense of security within the viewer. Upon deeper examination, considerable imperfection and vulnerability are revealed as inherent within these products of human invention. Due to their human origin, our technological and industrial advancements are flawed and create false assurances.”
Jessica Gondek: Enterprising Machines is showcased at Parkland College’s Giertz Gallery from now until Nov. 2.
The Giertz Gallery is in the X-wing at Parkland and is open Monday—Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 12 – 2 p.m.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
All information in this photo essay came from Parkland’s and Gondek’s websites.
