Jeffrie Chirchirillo’s “Washing Dishes” and Jessica Brewer Prugh’s “I Have Ridden Superhighways and Believed the Billboard’s Promises” will be on display at Perspective Art Gallery, 1310 1/2B Chicago Ave., from June 3 through June 27.
“Washing Dishes”
In his latest photography series, “Washing Dishes,” Jeffrie Chirchirillo explores the soap bubbles he has encountered while performing the mundane task of washing dishes. The bubbles he has captured take on many shapes and appearances. Some are large and resemble delicate crystals. Some are small and clustered into interesting configurations. Still others are transparent with a touch of iridescence, while others are as white as snow.
He says, “Observing bubbles presents a diversion from the drudgery of washing dishes and pots and pans.” His visual celebration of bubbles allowed him to put together a unique body of work without risking exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. By exploring the images closeup, as well as from a distance, his images present multiple views of the world of bubbles. With this show, Mr. Chirchirillo challenges viewers to slow down and take a closer look at the hidden beauty of soap bubbles.
Mr. Chirchirillo is a charter member of Perspective Group and Photography Gallery. As a native Chicagoan, he grew up in Wauconda. His formal training is in biological and computer sciences. Pursuing these disciples, he said, has given him a sense of observation and attention to detail – skills that are directly applicable to his photography.
“I Have Ridden Superhighways and Believed the Billboard’s Promises”
Jessica Brewer Prugh’s new body of work, titled, “I Have Ridden Superhighways and Believed the Billboard’s Promises,” consists of two large photo collages. Ms. Prugh said the title of the show is taken from Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poem “Autobiography. “
After a year of taking very few photographs and even fewer trips, Ms. Prugh explains that she found herself traveling back through time by scrolling through photographs she had taken with her smartphone camera. Because of the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about, she came to realize that those photos and trip memories had become nostalgia before their time. The two collages, one titled “North,” the other, “South,” showcase this nostalgia. “South” were places less familiar to the artist whereas “North” was closer to home – the Midwest. Both work together to offer an autobiographical glimpse of Ms. Prugh.
A virtual artist’s discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 24; registration is at https://perspectivegallery.org/. Gallery hours are 12 to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Pandemic protocols are observed.