Eternal: Art Shay Documents Nelson Algren

By Carrie McGath in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 28, 2014 5:15PM

Nelson Algren walking on a dirt mound. Image Credit: Art Shay

Chicago is a city brimming with such a deep well of personality and eccentricities that it stands at quite a distance from cities like Los Angeles and New York. This is a city that works as hard as it plays, while harsh weather readies the populous and Midwestern hospitality is acutely appealing. Many greats call and have called this city their rootstock for creating and it comes through in the rawness of their resulting work. Two examples of this would undoubtedly be photographer (and past Chicagoist contributor) Art Shay and author Nelson Algren.

Shay's exhibit "Nelson Algren's Eternal Chicago" opens this evening at Bucktown's Firecat Projects Gallery. In addition to an evening of dynamic work that depicts Shay's time walking all around the city with the author, there will be beer from Three Floyd's Brewing and wine from Red and White to enjoy.

The gallery is in Algren's old neighborhood, making this space an even more perfect fit for these documentary photographs that so sharply capture the edge and introspection that was as much a part of an author who himself created stories and characters rife with torment, musing and poetry. Art Shay will be in attendance at the opening and the exhibition will be on display through Dec. 20.

Art Shay's "Nelson Algren's Eternal Chicago" opens this evening at Firecat Projects (2124 N. Damen Ave.) The reception begins at 7 p.m.