Alberto Aguilar, a renowned artist known for his unique approach to creating art using ordinary materials, is currently exhibiting his solo show titled “Grid Luck” at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in Chicago. Aguilar’s work revolves around the concept of the “grid” as a muse, exploring the relationship between repetitive patterns and disruptive elements by utilizing materials found on-site at the museum.
In an interview with Coco Picard, Aguilar delves into the inspiration behind his exhibition and the collaborative nature of his artistic process. Rather than viewing the grid as restrictive, Aguilar sees it as a generative force that allows for audience participation and play. The exhibition is a blend of Aguilar’s personal iconography, materials from the museum’s archive, and unexpected discoveries made on-site, creating new and surprising meanings through their coexistence within the frame of the grid.
One of the distinctive aspects of “Grid Luck” is Aguilar’s inclusion of outside practitioners such as fellow artists and students to contribute their own artistic gestures, adding layers of disruption and community involvement to the exhibition. Aguilar emphasizes the importance of proximity in creating meaning, highlighting how the unexpected interactions between different elements can lead to surprising outcomes.
Aguilar’s creative process for “Grid Luck” is rooted in spontaneity and improvisation, as he came into the exhibition with no preconceived ideas and instead relied on the materials found on-site to guide his artistic expression. One notable feature of the show is a wall displaying abandoned self-portraits created by students, symbolizing Aguilar’s respect for the role of students in his life and the significance of community in shaping artistic endeavors.
By opening up the exhibition to collaboration and participation, Aguilar aims to break away from conventional artistic practices and embrace the element of surprise. He believes that involving others in the creative process not only prevents stagnation but also fosters a sense of community and shared exploration.
“Grid Luck” is on display at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art until October 6th, offering viewers a chance to experience Aguilar’s innovative approach to art-making and the transformative power of collaboration and improvisation. The exhibition invites audiences to reconsider the possibilities of the grid as a framework for creativity and connection, showcasing the endless potential of art to transcend boundaries and spark unexpected discoveries.
As the art world continues to evolve and expand, Alberto Aguilar’s “Grid Luck” stands out as a testament to the transformative nature of artistic exploration and the importance of community in shaping creative expression. By breaking away from traditional norms and embracing the element of surprise, Aguilar challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions of art and engage with the unexpected in new and exciting ways.
