There and Back (and back again)

January 10 - Feburary 17, 2024

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This exhibition features a captivating collection of artworks that delve into the intricate relation between time, memory, and physical objects. The use of familiar materials and playful compositions invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and consider the role of nostalgia in shaping our sense of identity.

 
The deliberate and varied use of lines navigates the fluidity of time, inviting viewers to reflect on the ever-changing perception of our experiences. Lines intersect, diverge, and evolve, mirroring our complex proximity to the past and future. Compositions are not mere arrangements of color and form but rather moments of introspection, joy, and resilience, creating a language that translates the intangible into something familiar that empowers the viewer to consider their own narrative.

Joseph Hladik is an artist and educator based in the Chicagoland area. He graduated from the University of Missouri earning his Bachelor of Health Sciences degree with minors in studio art and psychology. He has been a competitive swimmer for 22 seasons to date, and earned NCAA All-American honors during his time in Missouri. In 2013 he earned the Southeastern Conference Community Service Leader of the Year award, allowing him to earn his Master of Art in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating he served as the Director of Education & Grants Administrator at Elmhurst Art Museum for over five years and is currently the Manager of Family Learning Experiences at the Field Museum of Natural History.