Northern Illinois University
Art Museum
College of Visual and Performing Arts

NIU School of Art and Design Faculty Exhibition (November 16 - December 15, 2017 and January 16 - February 23, 2018)

An exhibition of recent artwork and scholarship by faculty and teaching staff from all divisions of the NIU School of Art and Design.

New to the Collection: Recent Acquisitions

A selection of recent works gifted to the NIU Art Museum's collection from generous donors. Artists include: Paul Cézanne, Sue Coe, David Driesbach, John Fraser, John Himmelfarb, Howard Hodgkin, Mauricio Lasansky, and Andy Warhol.

Objectifying the Photograph (August 29 - October 20, 2017)

A group exhibition of contemporary artists broadening our definition of photography with artists: Pamela Bannos, Alex Chitty, Joshua Citarella, Jeanne Dunning, Min Kim Park, Letha Wilson and Hyounsang Yoo. Their work addresses the materiality, substance and objecthood of photography—drawing attention to the production and alteration of images in our post-modern, digital age. This exhibition is co-curated by NIU School of Art and Design Assistant Professors Jessica Labatte, Photography and Mike Rea, Sculpture. Catalog with essay, "Objects of Vision," by Gan Uyeda.

Reflections: Intimate Portraits of Iconic African Americans by Terrence A. Reese (August 29 - October 20, 2017)

Reflectionsis a "documentary-style" series of black and white photographs which captures leading African American educators, business persons, politicians, religious leaders, writers, artists and musicians whose lives and careers have addressed the fundamental political, economic, and social realities of the 20th century.

Vintage Cameras: A Snapshot of Photographic Technology (August 29 - November 12, 2017)

Explore a brief view into the history of photography through these vintage cameras on loan from avid collectors and photographers that showcase a variety of camera styles, formats, developments, and technological innovations.

Hand in Hand: The Visual Arts as a Means of Social and Political Propaganda, Protest and Commentary (March 28 - May 20, 2017)

“What a Frightful Spectacle!”: Lithographs of Honoré Daumier

This exhibition surveys Daumier's satirical observations of aristocrats, politicians and the ‘average Joe' caught up in the tumultuous civic transformations of 19th century Paris.

Theoretical Mockery: Satirical Prints by Sidney Chafetz

Sidney Chafetz's prints often incorporated puns, jokes, and humor to satirize subjects from current political events and his life on a Midwestern college campus. Chafetz was a well-known artist leading the printmaking program at Ohio State University.

A Tale of Donkeys and Elephants; Satire with the Wink of a Fox

Political cartoons are part and parcel of the American experience that have been used since colonial times to succinctly express in visual form, differing points of view on complex socio-political concerns.

Over the Top to Victory!

Exploring government-sponsored posters issued during the First World War, this exhibition contrasts the social satire seen in the concurrent exhibitions

(RE)PRESENTING GUATEMALA (January 17 - February 27, 2017)

VISIONES E HISTORIAS: Maya Paintings from Guatemala

The exhibition features colorful painting full of narrative detail. Maya painters Paula Nicho Cúmez and Pedro Rafaél González Chavajay complement one another, her work exploring the internal spiritual world and his work exploring the external Maya experience.

REGINA JOSÉ GALINDO: Bearing Witness

A mid-career retrospective documenting performance works by an internationally-known Guatemalan artist and poet. At times presenting unsettling topics, Galindo's work challenges viewers to address issues of social justice, gender, race, politics and identity. The exhibition is curated by Lia Newman, Director/Curator at the Van Every/Smith Galleries, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina This exhibition contains graphic images not appropriate for children or sensitive viewers.

HUIPILES: Maya Identity and Identifier

Explores the rich and unique weaving and embroidery practices of the Guatemalan Maya through traditional women's blouses.