Home Contact Us

 


Elmhurst Art Museum
150 Cottage Hill Ave
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 834-0202
(630) 834-0234 FAX


Programs and Exhibitions
are partially funded
through the support of

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

PO Box 23 · 150 Cottage Hill Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 834-0202 · FAX(630) 834-0234
 www.elmhurstartmuseum.org


September 28, 2007

Contact: 
April Arnold,
Director, Development and Marketing
(630) 834-0202, x13
aarnold@elmhurstartmuseum.org

 

Power Struggle Unleashed within Series of Intricate Paintings
Artist Nicholas Sistler Gives Strong Message in Vivid Color

ELMHURST, Illinois – Elmhurst Art Museum hosts a colorful exhibition entitled Shadow of a Doubt, which consists of numerous small-scale paintings by recognized artist Nicholas Sistler from November 3, 2007 through January 20, 2008. Mr. Sistler is known for his ability to illustrate a sense of power struggle and tension within the realm of a minute, brightly gouache painted setting. His work often displays an abstract view of a familiar scene with human images appearing as decoration in each figuration. While his work sends a strong message to the viewer, the color and style are indeed whimsical. Mr. Sistler draws the viewer into a world of happiness and gaiety only to find the initial impression of his work carries an even deeper meaning for the viewer to discover.

Nicholas Sistler commands attention through his use of style, color palette, and intricate detail. Human figures are evident in each setting, but not as an integral part of the scene. Instead the faces and figures appear as artistic designs on the wall, floor, or tabletop. By not making human figures the focal point of the works, the viewer plays a more active role in the scene, and is further drawn to the elements appearing in the intriguing works of art. “The size relationship between the viewer’s body and the small-scale of my paintings allow the viewer to have physical dominance,” says Sistler, “But, this unusual perspective contradicts this by visually persuading the viewer to be submissive to the image.”

Mr. Sistler was born in Chicago and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago. He has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows. His artwork is also contained in several notable public and private collections. Mr. Sistler has received several grants from Illinois Arts Council including an Artist’s Fellowship Award, and four residences from Ragdale Foundation. His work is represented in Chicago at Printworks Gallery and in Santa Monica at Hunsaker/Schlesinger Fine Art.

Elmhurst Art Museum will host several opportunities to meet and learn more about artist Nicholas Sistler:

Be the Artist: Nicholas Sistler
Thursday, November 15 from 6:30pm-8:00pm
Get a closer look at Nicholas Sistler’s, bright and bold, small-scale gouache paintings. See how he uses color and shape to define an interior space that is peppered with everyday objects. Then, following Sistler’s unique style, experiment to create your own colorful gouache painting!

Artist Talk with Nicholas Sistler
Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 2:00pm
Join the artist for a guided tour and discussion to explain his technique and comment on his work. The talk is open to all ages and FREE with the price of Museum admission.

The Elmhurst Art Museum’s award-winning modern museum structure incorporates the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed McCormick House, one of three such residences designed by the internationally known architect, and contains museum galleries, an education center and a variety of outdoor sculpture. Located only 15 miles west of Chicago and adjacent to the Metra West train line, the Museum offers public tours and programs, guest lectures and art classes on a regular basis. Its mission is to enrich the lives of its visitors by broadening their knowledge, increasing their sensitivity to the fine arts and sparking the development of their own creative talents.

Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
Wednesdays - 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays and Sundays - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays

Adults - $4.00, Seniors - $3.00, Students - $2.00
Children under 12 and Members – FREE
For more information, call (630) 834-0202, or visit www.elmhurstartmuseum.org.

-end-