But even rebels know that “we can’t escape history”  and so they learn from it in order to set it aflame to create the new. 

The 3rd Chicago School Art Movement is simply a label used to show connection and understanding but not reverence.  “As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves” from the past supports of one school, one gatekeeper, one neighborhood to view art, one way to view art history.   “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.” [1]

Using Abraham Lincoln’s words as he attempted to persuade congress to free all slaves is what rebels do when their moment is approaching—they throw torches at the state of affairs and then make sense out of their solutions.   Is it doubted, then, that a 3rd Chicago School is upon us, different from the first school with Louis Sullivan and the 2nd school with Tigerman and his fellows since it is new? Is it doubted that supporting these artists and their goal of globalizing art beyond race, culture and creed would restore Chicago to its cultural legacy and allow artistic prosperity to prevail?  Is it doubted that we have the power to put these ideas into the minds of vast numbers of people?  Is it doubted that diversity is our strongest path and unified diversity is our only way toward making art that is truly 21st Century and connected to the past, present and future?

Please join Galaudet Gallery rebelling in Unchartered Territories with two exhibits in their West Town Chicago space and one at the Clearing.  Special hours during Chicago’s Art Expo September 22—25  will be noon—9pm with longer hours till midnight on Saturday September 24.

[1] Quotes from Abraham Lincoln’s Annual Message to Congress Washington, D.C. December 1, 1862