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EXHIBITION EXTENSION: Intuit is happy to announce "The Life and Death of Charles Williams" will be extended to Memorial Day, May 30!
The exhibition is the first major solo show of Charles Williams' work. Throughout his life, Williams made a breadth of comics, paintings and sculptures, including a roster of superheroes and dozens of fantastical pencil holders. He drew inspiration from pop culture, current events and his experiences to create stories and artworks that address significant social issues still relevant today.
Image: Installation photograph by Cheri Eisenberg
"I got me this place here and decided to do something with it," said Charles Williams in his autobiography.
Charles Williams turned his yard into an elaborate show, embellishing and painting trees and showcasing his sculptures among them. In this photograph, Williams stands alongside his piece "Batman," which measures over nine feet tall. "Batman" is now on view at Intuit, welcoming guests to the exhibition.
Image: Charles Williams in his backyard with “Batman.” Robert Arnett, 1989.
Inspired by comic books, pop culture and his lived experiences, Charles Williams brought to life a roster of superheroes in his comics, including Captain Thirteen seen here. Next to the two Captain Thirteen panels is a toy airplane that was likely the inspiration for the ship in the series.
What objects around you spark your creativity? Join Intuit this Thursday, February 17, for the first Art After Work of 2022 with artist and museum educator Mayra Palafox. In the virtual program, Palafox will guide a mixed media workshop in which participants will make their own superheroes, much like Charles Williams.
Make art with us! Register for the virtual program on Eventbrite.
Image: Installation photograph by Cheri Eisenberg
In celebration of Black History Month, FOX6 News Milwaukee shines a spotlight on artist Della Wells, who roots her practice in empowering Black women.
Watch her interview below and find some of Wells' ornaments, dolls and cards online in the Intuit Store:
Good news, Darger fans! While Intuit conserves fragile objects from the Henry Darger Room Collection, the Room reopened with limited works on view.
Learn about the Henry Darger Room here:
Big thanks to our friends at Chicago Cultural Alliance for spotlighting our virtual exhibitions!
"Across the vast universe hail a comet..." ☄️
In 1973, Charles Williams first introduced the Amazing Spectacular Captain Soul Superstar in the miniseries "Captives of the Cosmic Mayflower." Throughout the miniseries, Captain Soul addresses significant problems facing the larger cosmos and its people. He takes on the issues of the intergalactic slave trade, space-gang violence and artificial intelligence, triumphing over his enemies with his cunning, strength and style.
Read the adventures of Captain Soul in the "Captives of the Cosmic Mayflower" and other comics by Williams in the exhibition "The Life and Death of Charles Williams."
Images: Charles Williams (American, 1942–1998). Captives of the Cosmic Mayflower, Chapter 1, n.d. Xerox. Collection of the Kentucky Folk Art Center at Morehead State University.
Chicago artist and musician Wesley Willis had an affinity for Chicago architecture, evident in this elaborate grid of the city's buildings. In reflection on Willis, his artistry and his charisma, scholars Kenneth C. Burkart and Lisa Stone write: "His works are the music of the city."
Image: Wesley Willis (American, 1963-2003). Untitled (downtown cityscapes), c. 1984. Ballpoint pen and felt tip pen on board, 20 x 30 in. Collection of Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, gift of Paul Young and Margaret Fox Young, 2004.9
Due to the winter storm, Intuit will close tomorrow, Feb. 3, and reopen on Friday, Feb. 4.
Stay safe and warm, Chicago!
This particularly wintery Wednesday calls for a serene, snow-covered view. Intuit wishes you warmth as the snow continues to fall in Chicago.
Image: Eugene Von Bruenchenhein (American, 1910–1983). Untitled (view of Von Bruenchenhein home), n.d. Gelatin Silver Print, 3 1/2 x 5 3/4 in. Collection of Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, gift of Lewis and Jean Greenblatt, 2005.4.34
In a recent interview, artist and Intuit board member Kevin Blythe Sampson speaks to why he uses found objects in his sculptures: "When you collect found objects, you’re using materials that someone else touched. I like to think they are magical objects, holding the power of the previous owners, with the ability to tell their stories."
Read more here: