May 2008 artist: Kyle Horton

Noir Art Emporium presents paintings by Kyle Horton, of Jacksonville.

About his work, Mr. Horton says "As an artist that has grown up in the Midwest, much of my influence comes from this region. I see a blank canvas that is ready and waiting for completion. However, this process occurs with only a sense of the creation in mind. As I begin, I often find myself without any one particular conceptual motive. The influences from my habitual environments, and those accidental influences found in my day to day, will be the ones to stir the pot.

"I chose to present these influences to the viewer in the form of color. Typically, only a third of a paintings stucture is concentrated on the foreground. Realistic colors are not of my concern when reality compromises the atmosphere of the environment itself."

The exhibition will be on display throughout the month of May.

Altered lineup Saturday

We finally got wind of changs for the Saturday, April 26, show at the gallery. The updated lineup is: Alliswell (of southern Illinois), Sealife (of Springfield), and The Weaker (of Springfield).

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The White Tie Affair, who played at Noir in June, have a new album out today on the Epic label.

Artist Site

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Earth Day Celebration

Since it's raining and misting all over the Earth Day Celebration plans, we're hosting a few booths for that event today. Illinois College, Jacksonville Main Street and Jacksonville Freecycle are all hanging out here at Noir.

Opening numbers

With the weather cooperating, about 170 people came to April's opening reception. We hope those of you who are interested in seeing the show continue to come by. The exhibit will be on display the rest of the month.

And check the calendar for music shows this month, including Take Arms and Mid August Night on Friday, April 11 and Alliswell, Someway Somehow, and Sealife playing Saturday, April 26.

April 2008 artist: Jamie Kotewa

Noir Art Emporium presents paintings and drawings by Jamie Kotewa.



From the artist:

"The concept of identity is the source of inspiration for a lot of my work. Looking at rural structures in the landscape, I was struck by the history built into these places and how much one's identity could be constructed around the presence of that environment. People who work with the land, such as farmers, have an obvious connection to the countryside. Commuters who drive by it everyday also have a connection, as does anyone who has had an experience within the landscape. Visual landmarks contribute as we orient ourselves to them -- I live across from the grove of trees on the left side of the road. Rural structures and other elements that find their way into my drawings often times have multiple meanings related to their function that mirror human actions. Barns and silos store and protect, while fences can protect by keeping things in or out. And all three of those can break down with time. Fields create rhythms and patterns that are familiar with the passing of each season. This adds to the collective identity of the Midwest.

"I am also interested in the relationship between identity and role-playing. The image of the apron represents the act of role-playing -- it can be put on and taken oft worn for any length or time. Aprons symbolize many things, from the role of the woman, protection, fashion and social status, to physical labor. Drawings with aprons usually are perforated, much like paper doll books, to signify the perceived choices within the role being played.

"For now, it all comes back to identity and how we identify ourselves. Some of my favorite artist influences have been Philip Pearlstein and realism, William Kentridge and process drawing, Alice Maher and her Irish dancers, and Dorthea lange and her documentation of human life."

Ms. Kotewa will be at the opening reception, 5-9 p.m. Friday, April 4, to talk about her work and answer questions.