Big Show of Little and Big Art Now Open at the Illinois State Museum

Springfield – The Illinois State Museum presents think small!, a thought-provoking exhibition of over 100 artworks by 35 contemporary artists. Their art provides a challenging range of content from serious to zany in a lively mix of media and styles. With few exceptions, all the artwork is less than twelve inches in any dimension. Two unique large-scale artworks contrast the exhibition.

“Art is about emotion and reaction,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold. “This exhibit is guaranteed to elicit an emotional reaction. When you contemplate scale, you can’t help but think about where you fit in the grand scheme of life.”

To highlight the issue of scale in art, the Museum has installed the largest painting from its Fine Art Collection. This powerful 11 by 24 foot figural abstract work painted on a shaped canvas by Chicago artist Michiko Ititani recalls the writhing figures and blue background of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. After viewing the small-scale works up close and face-to-face, visitors will undoubtedly experience the sensation of feeling dwarfed in front of this monumentally scaled painting.

To further explore the issue of scale in art, museum visitors can view a site-specific installation made in response to the ISM gallery architecture. This solo project by Chicago artist Anna Kunz fills an entire gallery with brightly colored ribbons hung floor to ceiling that oscillate in a gentle breeze. The genesis of this work was two tiny paper collages Kunz has on exhibit in think small! All three displays continue through July 31, 2005. The think small! exhibition is sponsored in part by Bank One, a J.P. Morgan Company.

The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring St. (the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets) in Springfield and is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Parking is available nearby, and the building is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Digital images are available upon request by contacting:
Robert Sill:
TEL 217-524-5744
E-MAIL: rsill@museum.state.il.us
PHONE: (217) 524-5744 FAX: (217)782-1254

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