For Mary Dritschel, ideas for art often come in her sleep.
In her new exhibit “Mary Dritschel> In Retrospect,” the artist displays installation art and photography from the late ’60s until the present, including a piece about abortion that was “full-born” when she woke up one morning.
The piece, made of a coat hanger, represents the retrospective exhibition that held its opening reception Sunday at the Evanston Art Center, 2603 Sheridan Rd., featuring a talk from the artist.
“This is our first installation, although she’s doing photography also,” said Paula Danoff, director of development and communications for the art center. “She’s done a really nice job of incorporating what she’s done with images and photography.”
She said the art center hosts a retrospective every two years, so the exhibition has been in the works since November 2008.
“It’s a very nice opportunity for people to view an artist that they might not have the chance to see,” Danoff said. “Because it is installation work, it’s a little more difficult to have, so the fact that the art center is able to bring it is great.”
During her talk, Dritschel discussed the progression of her artwork.
“I’m always amazed that I kind of like (early works),” she said in an informal question-and-answer session in front of about 60 people. “My photography was strong and has remained strong, at least in my eyes.”
Dritschel said she believes her works are conceptual and feminist. Pieces range from compilations of photographs to humorous installation works, such as “Eggs Communicate” which comprises three different eggs labeled existentialist, exhibitionist and expressionist.
She also mentioned how photography has changed since she first started. For example, with the advent of Photoshop, Dritschel said she wonders if she made the picture red or blue enough.
“Now, photography is a lot simpler, they say,” Dritschel said. “But now there’s so many more choices. Photoshop opens up a can of worms.”
Dritschel graduated from Parsons The New School for Design with a degree in graphic design but later attended University of North Texas for her MFA and BFA in Drawing and Painting.
She moved to Brazil and taught at the University of Sao Paulo, which she said was a time in her life when she only focused on her art.
“(This exhibit is) a great chance to see works that she’s done overseas,” Danoff said. “And that’s very exciting.”
Dritschel is now based in Chicago and plans to continue with her works. However, because of her age, she will probably stay away from installation art requiring heavier pieces, she said. Instead, she would like to work on a book and a photo piece of women.Her work drew in a large audience to the three-room exhibit.
“I’m a big fan of Mary’s work,” said Deborah Adams Doering, a fellow artist. “It’s very insightful, it’s contemporary and yet rooted in many previous art historical traditions. She’s taken a look at art history and has brought forth some of the dialogue in the moment.”
The retrospective will be open through April 4.[email protected]
