Next Art Fair Review

Love Next!  Simply inspiring and refreshing, Next draws out the vibrance and curiousity in all that observe.  Full of funk, color, metal and creativity, the spread of ideas and theoligies go on and on.  When I mean on and on, I mean it both figurtively and litterally...its huge!  The Next show sprawls the eighth floor of the Merchandise Mart, a few floors below Art Chicago.  

Next is part of a larger compilation of shows including Art Chicago and the International Antique Show, making up Artropolis Chicago.  It features local and distant artists, galleries, performance art and organizations.  I believe that the  name is well suited for the show, as it is what is on the left side of now and what is next, after viewing the antiques and contemporary art of the other 2 shows.

With that said, in comparison to previous years, it seems as though Art Chicago and Next are growing greatly in similarites.  Perhaps that can be attributed to more of an acceptance of what we think of as "low-brow" art  and fully beginning to understand that art is just that...art.  As such, it is individual, personal and public, and drawn from energy and thought.  I like to refer to it as an Avant-garde revival.  Evocatively pushing the envelope on the status quo.

Wow, so this is what I can use that degree in art history for.

Anyway, a fabulous showcase of youthful and eclectic pieces, Next is a show that should be experienced by all.  Make sure to watch out for tickets next year so that you too can be inspired.

222 Merchandise Mart Plz
7th Fl
(between Lower Orleans St & Orleans St)
Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

(312) 527-4674