Margret Hynes, John Lamar, and Marilynn Lamar have well established themselves in the Rockford arts community as accomplished artists. The three artists approached the Kortman Gallery with the idea of curating an exhibit featuring local artists creating works of art with an erotic theme…a subject rarely explored in the local art scene.
From that concept came “Amorous” a group exhibition opening Friday, April 22nd in the Kortman Gallery. Along with Hynes and the Lamars, other participating artists include Ruth Eversoll, Nikki Hollander, Javier Jimenez, Ron Rawhoof, and Ted Simmering.
“Since mankind began to visually communicate their thoughts, sexually charged images have been used in art, even appearing on prehistoric cave walls,” says co-curator Marilyn Lamar. “However, social constraints have always influenced what is acceptable in the visual arts over the centuries. We are still having to sometimes contend with Victorian era attitudes.”
“We wanted to challenge artists to create works that may be out of their comforts zones,” said Hynes, co- curator. “Anything that has a sexual element can certainly be stimulating not only visually, but also intellectually, inspiring conversations on censorship, social mores, and how the arts affect our cultural attitudes.”
“We thought it was a great idea to explore the realm of erotic art with these talented artists,” says Kortman Gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “There is a definitely a distinction between what is erotic and what is pornographic. The works of art presented in this gallery exhibit are esthetically pleasing and can be viewed and enjoyed by a general audience.”
The “Amorous” exhibition will feature works in multiple media including painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking
Kortman Gallery opening reception for “Amorous,” a group exhibition of erotic art opens Spring ArtScene weekend, Friday,April 22nd from 5 to 9pm, and Saturday, April 23rd from 4 to 9pm. The gallery is 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..
The exhibit will run though June 30th. For more information call 815-968-0123.