New work by Jen Rosenthal at Chicago Art Department

By Jen Hazen in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 8, 2009 3:20PM

When looking at “Control,” the collection of new works by Chicago Art Department resident artist Jen Rosenthal, a particular Joy Division song comes to mind. The world doesn’t seem light as a feather these days. It’s a delicate balancing act—recognizing when we can actually manipulate our lives versus when we just have to let go of the steering wheel and hope for the best. Of course, the no-hands rollercoaster ride can be thrilling and nauseating all at once.

Rosenthal’s work may appear bleak at first glance— the disarray of dark ink blotches that splinter like blood samples magnified under a microscope. But the intricate line work and hand stitched threads that harness the splatters breathe life into the pieces. They hug around the fractures to create new shapes and directions, as though being controlled was just an illusion and there was freedom all along.

Chicago Art Department, 1837 S Halsted, Opens Friday, April 10, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Closing reception Friday, April 24, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Free.