Exploring Chicago’s Public Transit: Capturing Life on the CTA
The art world is no stranger to the debate between different styles of figurative painting, from the clean portraiture of Alex Katz to the more whimsical works of Alice Neel. However, somewhere in the middle lies the oeuvre of Peter Broitman, whose current exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center is capturing the essence of life on the city’s public transit system.
Broitman’s transition from a three-decade career as a trial attorney to a full-time painter has unleashed a wave of creativity that is evident in his latest works. With a hint of rebelliousness, his canvases come to life with characters that seem to leap off the canvas. Located in the Senior Center of the Chicago Cultural Center, Broitman’s exhibition brings together the vibrant personalities of his paintings with the real-life individuals who frequent the center.
As you walk through the exhibition, you can’t help but be drawn into Broitman’s world of absurdity and satire. On the Red Line, a construction worker sleeps soundly, unaware that the passengers around him are transforming into wild animals. In another painting, a mix of characters in different attire creates a humorous juxtaposition that highlights the diversity of the city’s population. Broitman’s keen observation of human behavior on the CTA shines through in his work, capturing both the public-facing personas and the inner thoughts of his subjects.
While some of Broitman’s works delve into political satire, the overall tone of the exhibition is light-hearted and whimsical. From the giggle-faced Chicago Seven members to the unlikely friendship between Black Jack and a waddling avian in “General Pershing and Duck,” Broitman’s pieces elicit both surprise and laughter from viewers. With a keen eye for truth-telling and a penchant for playful juxtapositions, Broitman’s work promises to continue captivating audiences for years to come.
As you explore “Humans (Mostly)” at the Chicago Cultural Center, you’ll be transported into a world where the mundane becomes extraordinary and the everyday becomes a source of humor and insight. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the unique vision of Peter Broitman and discover the hidden stories that unfold on the CTA every day.
Subheadings:
1. The Evolution of Peter Broitman’s Artistic Journey
2. Capturing the Essence of Chicago’s Public Transit
3. The Intersection of Reality and Imagination in Broitman’s Work