Artist Andrew Harlan is odd. It’s nothing personal, but then again, it is. “odd” is a pseudonym for his work and a self-imposed moniker for this emerging artist from Rockford, now living in Chicago.
“Odd has become a constant for the way I respond to and digest the world around me,” writes Harlan in his Artist’s Statement for his Kortman Gallery exhibition, “it’s an odd world” opening Friday, April 23rd, Spring ArtScene weekend.Harlan’s idiosyncratic exhibition presents an eclectic mix of media including painting, illustration, photography, and embellished found objects. But all together, his seemingly unrelated works reflect his personal feelings and view of the world around him.
“With the abundance of unknowns and possibilities in life, it can be easy to live in fear of the mystery and uncovered truths,” says Harlan. “However, stepping back and realizing how strange, how odd, living this human life is, helps me set aside fear.”
“This is Andrew’s, or should I say odd’s first solo exhibition in the Kortman Gallery,” said Doc Slafkosky, gallery director. “His artistic perspective is definitely peculiar, but refreshing coming from a young, talented artist who is difficult to categorize. “it’s an odd world” is definitely an appropriate title for his intriguing, and often facetious works in this concept installation.”
Opening receptions for “it’s an odd world,” featuring mixed media works by odd/Andrew Harlan is Friday, 5-9pm, and Saturday, 4-9pm, April 23rd & 24th (ArtScene Weekend) in the Kortman Gallery, located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. The exhibit is free, and open to the public. Covid safe guidelines will be followed.
The exhibit will run though May 31st. For more information call 815-968-0123.