Fri, Jul 21
|Bridgeport Art Center
The Glass Carnival
Journey into the stark, storybook world of John Benke
Time & Location
Jul 21, 2023, 6:00 PM – Aug 11, 2023, 4:00 PM
Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W 35th St 4th floor, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
About the event
Step into a world where sea creatures ascend from their depths and candy-colored cities lie half-forgotten. In "The Glass Carnival," John Behnke merges reality and fantasy, creating vibrant landscapes with moving lore. Devoid of human presence, these ghost towns serve as playgrounds for the mythic creatures of Behnke's imagination. From a squid exodus to a misunderstood peacock's saga of alienation, witness whimsical dramas told in vivid vignettes. Behnke's universe unfolds in an eclectic mix of paint, marker, and gel pens with forays into ceramics that add a bold new dimension to his fantastical characters. Embrace the limitless creativity of John Behnke as he defies artistic boundaries with playful resistance, much like a squid ascending to the cosmos.
Don't miss this opportunity to dive into this strange yet familiar realm firsthand! Join us at the artist's reception on August 18th, from 6-9 pm, where the Behnke will share insights into the stories of these beautiful beasts and their remarkably human journeys in the absence of humanity.