CHICAGO— The Jackson Junge Gallery is proud to announce its second exhibition of the year, Oppositions, a special group exhibit, opening on Friday, March 31, 2017, with a free to the public artist reception from 6-9PM.

In this time of global, economic and political tensions, society has found a congruent culture that celebrates their civic duty. Where do artists fit? The work for many artists is an extension of their voice and a language, which is displayed publicly. Can art have a physical voice, representational expressions of opinion, or should it be art- for art’s sake?

The past year has been a whirlwind of emotions for the American people. Whatever side, the past national election has sparked an interest in all of the major issues our society has been battling throughout our country’s history. Issues ranging from the protection of our natural resources, border security and HealthCare affect us all. These “hot” topics provoke passionate feelings and drive people to express themselves.

Oppositions is a commentary on the topics that have dominated the current headlines. Jackson Junge Gallery has curated an exhibition, featuring 40 works in several different mediums, from artists all around the United States. Art has always been a way for artists to express their stance on the subjects our world is dealing with. Art is culture. Art inspires the people. Art is communicative.

Artist Luna Rail has created a mixed media piece, titled “For the Prettiest One”. It is inspired from the Greek myth of Discordia, the goddess of discord and confusion. The artwork is representing an aristocratic setting, where the faces of the people have taken on the wildness of the beasts within. Perhaps, the myth isn’t such a myth, but, our new reality. Rail says, “On January 20th, much of America undoubtedly gave into those imaginary beasts and has taken the rest of us along for the ride. Most come off, I think, with an expression of aggression and absurdity which seems apt for our current political and social climate”.

“True Colors”, by Eoin Cullen, depicts an exposed African American woman. She highlights the significance of the afro, which is in reference to the civil rights movement and today’s racial tensions. Cullen says, “In the 60’s, black women were sympatric and involved with the civil rights movement and felt that un-straightened hair, like the afro, expressed their feeling of racial pride.” In Evan Haase piece, “Old Glory”, the artist comments on the constitutional second amendment, which grants the right to bear arms. The piece is made up of 15,085 spent bullet shells. Haase states, “Either on neighboring streets, in homes, or even in schools, we consistently hear of someone staring down the barrel of a gun and taking lives”.

Oppositions is an exhibit celebrating the voice of the artist. This exhibition is not only an opportunity for these artists to express their emotional state, but to inform the public of issues that one may not know about or have chosen to ignore.

Oppositions runs March 31, 2017 – April 30, 2017 and is curated by Gallery Director, Chris Jackson, Artist, Laura Junge, and Gallery Assistant, Sasha Perez. Gallery Hours are Monday – Saturday 11AM-8PM and Sunday 11AM-7PM. Jackson Junge Gallery is free to the public.