New Exhibit I CAN DO THAT Lets You Take Part In The Art

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 5, 2012 3:00PM

Galleries and museums usually forbid you from touching the art on display, but local artist and independent curator Jenny Lam is starting an exhibit that breaks this rule. It’s geared toward artists and art lovers who often find themselves looking at a piece and saying, “I can do that.” The interactive exhibit invites visitors to alter the artwork on display, so that the final product is the collaborative effort of anyone and everyone who wishes to contribute.

The exhibit, which will be held at Variable Space gallery in Wicker Park, will feature pieces of various mediums by more than 40 artists from Chicago and around the globe. How it works is viewers can make changes to the artwork in any way they see fit, whether it’s a brushstroke or a total transformation (art supplies that the original artist used will be provided). The changes will be documented with photo and video, so we can see the evolution of each piece of artwork as changes are made.

There will also be blank canvases set up in front of each piece so that visitors can try to replicate the pieces themselves and find if they actually “can do that.” The exhibit’s opening reception takes place next Friday, the 13th, from 7-10 p.m., and it closes April 27. The regular gallery hours are not set yet, but viewings are also available by appointment. Check out the gallery’s blog for updates on the project and info on the artists.

I CAN DO THAT opens with a reception Friday, April 13 at Variable Space, 1564 N. Damen, 3rd floor, 7-10 p.m., free