Isimeme “Easy” Otabor is proud to announce the official opening of Anthony Gallery. Marking the first public exhibition in the space, 1988 is a group exhibition featuring 26 new works from various established international artists including: Aaron Johnson, Ana Benarova, Boyang Hou, En Iwamura, Erik Parker, Erin M. Riley, Dr. Woo, John Rivas, Koichi Sato, Matt McCormick, Nina Chanel Abney, Ryan T. Christian, Sayre Gomez, Sean Gannon, Sterling Ruby, Tony Lewis, Tyrell Winston, Wes Lang and Yue Wu; many of them enjoying their premier appearance in Chicago via 1988.
In line with Otabor’s affinity for history, and in reference to Chicago’s last NBA-All Star, each work on view was inspired and informed by the issues and energies of the year from which the exhibition takes its name.
A self-taught collector turned gallery owner, Otabor has taken an innovative approach to his curatorial practice. “While much of my work has been an ode to a place (my hometown of Chicago), I wanted the gallery’s first public show to evoke feelings of a time that people can remember and relate to,” said Otabor. “By tapping distinguishable artists from different parts of the world, I’m excited to share what each of them brought to this theme with their works.”
A private preview of the show with opening reception on Wednesday, February 12th from 6 – 9pm precedes an open house commencing on February 13th. The exhibition will then be open to the public via appointment starting February 17th.
Artists: Nina Chanel Abney, Ana Benaroya, Ryan T. Christian, Sayre Gomez, En Iwamura, Aaron Johnson, Wes Lang, Tony Lewis, Matt McCormick, Erik Parker, Erin M. Riley, John Rivas, Sterling Ruby, Koichi Sato, Tyrrell Winston, and Dr. Woo.
