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The Franks - An Improbable Coincidence of Wants
September 5 - October 25, 2008
Opening Reception: Friday, September 5, 2008, 6-9pm
Gallery Hours: Friday - Saturday, 11a.m - 5 p.m. or by appointment
CHICAGO, IL - rowlandcontemporary is pleased to present An Improbable Coincidence of Wants, a solo exhibition by Chicago artists The Franks. Formerly of f2, a Chicago design concern, here they expand their approach with the introduction of new work that explores the relationship of the dealer in the marketplace. This exhibition will run from September 5 - October 25, 2008. rowlandcontemporary is also excited to announce that it is expanding its days of operation to include Fridays and Saturdays where the gallery will be open from 11-5pm.
From the outset, Ceci N'est Pas Une Magasin, a neon sign hung in the gallery's front window, obliquely proclaims "This is not a shop", a sly take on Magritte's famous "this is not a pipe". With a great deal of fun and wholly conspicuous, the sign sets the tone for a show that portrays a sardonic view of the current art market madness and takes into account the art dealer and their locus within the context of a commodified marketplace.
The multimedia works within the exhibition range from video to photographs, paintings, original and found objects, and familiar forms of signage. Placed on the dealer's desk, Nakedly Transactional, a standard name placard of engraved metal and wood, positions squarely in front of the casual gallery goer the notion that the practice of art and the subjective circumstances within which it is viewed, discussed, admired, and yes, bought, is in direct relation to the luxury marketplace. While the worth of art is well documented with the stratospheric sales at auction houses, Nakedly Transactional reminds us to question the worth of art in an economy where the purchase of it is considered a complete extravagance.
"We are consumers from the moment we are born. Just to exist means to be a 'consumer.' We consume air, water, food, time, space, our parents' attention, their energy, and their lives in general. As we grow older, we consume more space, more time, and more resources. There is an expansion of ego and consciousness. We want more, we strive harder to have and be more." With an equanimity across their practice The Franks show us with humor and candor that while we may enjoy art, and indeed, the purchase of it, we dealers are, in the end, Nakedly Transactional.
The Franks received an MFA from Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA, and their BFA's from Columbia College, Chicago, IL and Tyler School of Art. They have exhibited widely in Chicago, including their former design space, f2.For more information, please contact the or call 312 421 6275.
