MEDIA RELEASES

Jessica Mackinnon

jmack@dom.edu

(708) 524-6289

Dominican University’s O’Connor Art Gallery will present “Drawn by Wesley Willis,” a rare and intimate exhibition of 25 drawings on paper by the late Chicago musician and artist, from January 23 through February 29. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Wednesday, January 23 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the gallery located on the fourth floor of Lewis Hall, 7900 Division Street, River Forest.

Willis, who died from leukemia-related complications in 2003 at the age of 40, built a major cult following in the 1990s. Recording over 1,000 songs, he toured frequently and sold out venues around the city. He was also an artist who spent much time working and selling his artwork in the streets. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he said that music and art helped him battle encounters with his demons, which he called “warhellrides.”

Willis’ drawings in pen, ink and marker on paper and cardboard are mostly of Chicago buses, trains and buildings. They hover between delicate simplicity and intuitive complexity, using framing devices such as odd angles, subtle shifts in color, and bold patterns. Some reflect an artist who felt he was an essential part of the city, while others, like his drawings of the skyline, portray the buildings as an impenetrable wall of glass and steel. All of his works reveal an affection and familiarity for the city developed over many years of riding CTA buses and walking the streets en route to countless live shows.

The exhibit is curated by Dominican University student Jakub Niedorezo for his senior honors project. It is made possible through the generosity and support of Paul Young and Margaret Fox, of Young Fox Gallery, who are loaning works for the show.

The O’Connor Art Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Jessica Cochran at (708) 524-6597 or jcochran@dom.edu.