WICKER PARK — Nudity is nothing to be shameful about say the curators of a new group art show that puts a spotlight on nakedness.
"Naked and Not Afraid," an exhibition by 17 local and national artists, kicks off with an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., in Wicker Park.
The nude figure has been a traditional genre in Western art dating back to Ancient Greece, and while it has been used to express ideals of beauty, it has also been associated with embarrassment and shame.
In an effort to "rebel against the societal constraints that make us conceal our true self," the show promises to "courageously and proudly embrace nude figures," organizers said in a press release.
The show features works by 17 participating artists, include photography by Karen Hanrahan and Ken Beach, sculptures by Ruth Aizuss Migdal and sketches by Laura Lee Junge, the gallery's in-house artist and co-owner.
During the course of the exhibition, which runs through March 1, Junge will be camped out in the gallery on weekends, where she will invite the public to watch her work and ask questions.
"I am pretty uncomfortable working in front of people and I'd like to overcome that fear. I can't think of a way that I feel more naked than showing unfinished work. I have never shown the progression of my work from rough sketch to finished product. This is the time to overcome that fear," Jackson said.
Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Ph: 773-227-7900.
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