Richard Gray Gallery, 875 N. Michigan Ave., presents an exhibition of new work by Jim Dine through May 20. The exhibition will highlight the artist’s recent sculptures as well as a multi-panel oil on canvas. An opening reception for the artist will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 5-7 p.m. This event is open to the public.
Dine uses his new favorite image for this exhibition, that of Pinocchio, the lost boy. It seems a perfect fit for an artist who has also adopted, among other motifs, tools, bathrobes, and hearts. These images, always recognizable, are at once innocent and charming, but Dine looks deeper, they become more complex and sometimes threatening. The puppet Pinocchio, carved from a talking branch, is the very ideal of this double message — so innocent and simple, wanting only to become a real boy, and yet lazy, irresponsible, selfish and ungrateful to Gepetto, his creator, and the one who truly loves him. Much like the story of creation is the story of Pinocchio, with all of the imperfections of humanity exposed. Like Gepetto, Jim Dine brings Pinocchio to life in this exhibition, carved from a block of wood, with all of his pathos, his charm and his humanity. For more information, call (312) 642-8877 or visit richardgraygallery.com.
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