Vanessa German, a Pittsburgh/Asheville-based artist, recently held a solo exhibition at the Logan Center Gallery in Chicago. The exhibition, titled “At the end of this reality there is a bridge—the bridge is inside of you but not inside of your body. Take this bridge to get to the next _______, all of your friends are there; death is not real and we are all dj’s,” was inspired by a seminar she led at the University of Chicago. German’s course, focused on “paraacademia,” explores esoteric knowledge often overlooked in traditional higher education settings, such as magic and the occult.
The artworks in German’s exhibition are a reflection of the discussions and energy from her seminar, aiming to transport viewers into a space of vulnerability, curiosity, and courage. German views art as a technology that has the power to connect individuals to a higher awareness and frequency. The small clay objects in the exhibit are considered artifacts with kernels of power inside them, representing the artist’s awareness of being aware.
German emphasizes the importance of consciousness and source energy in her work, drawing parallels between human interaction and communication with technology like ChatGPT. She encourages curiosity and openness in dialogues, imagining what stories could be uncovered if people engaged with each other in a nonviolent and nonhostile manner.
The exhibition is on view at the Logan Center Gallery until December 15th, offering visitors a unique experience to engage with German’s transformative and thought-provoking art. Through her art, German invites viewers to explore new dimensions of awareness and connection, challenging conventional notions of knowledge and wisdom.
In addition to German’s exhibition, the Chicago arts scene offers a variety of events and exhibits that delve into themes of technology, storytelling, and historical narratives. From Vera Blossom’s debut book exploring zine culture to a Driehaus Museum exhibition on Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural legacy, there is a wealth of artistic expression and creativity to explore in the city.
As artists continue to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms, the art world remains a vibrant and dynamic space for innovation and introspection. German’s work serves as a testament to the power of art in sparking conversations and connecting individuals through shared experiences and emotions.
