Graham Foundation Archive

Neighborhood Guide: Graham Foundation Presents Zak Kyes

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: July 17, 2012

Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in Fine Arts has been one of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions since 1956. The Graham Foundation is available to the public not only as a forum on architecture and design but also as a gallery.

The Graham Foundation presents the first solo exhibition in the U.S. by the Swiss-American graphic designer Zak Kyes, on view through September 22, 2012. The exhibition features works by Kyes as well as many collaborators, including architects, artists, writers, curators and graphic designers, presenting contemporary graphic design as a practice that both mediates and is mediated by these disciplines.

The Graham Foundation_Zak Kyes_Radim Peško_“Interfinity Mark, Punctuation Mark”

Radim Peško, “Interfinity Mark, Punctuation Mark” 2010.

Zak Kyes is known for his critical approach to graphic design, which encompasses publishing, editing and site-specific projects both for and in collaboration with cultural institutions. The exhibition showcases Zak Kyes in collaboration with Can Altay, Charles Arsène-Henry, Shumon Basar, Richard Birkett, Andrew Blauvelt, Edward Bottoms, Wayne Daly, Jesko Fezer, Joseph Grigely, Nikolaus Hirsch, Maria Lind, Markus Miessen, Michel Müller, Radim Peško and Barbara Steiner.

The focus of the exhibition is on the conceptual, visual and economic intersections that link Kyes with his collaborators, revealing his multivalent practice. Rather than presenting a chronological overview of Kyes’ work, the exhibition highlights his relations with partners, clients and institutions, showcasing the creative potential of these collaborations to transform traditional understandings of graphic design, art and architecture.

The Graham Foundation_Joseph Grigely_The Information Economy_Zak Kyes Working With...

Joseph Grigely, The Information Economy, Zak Kyes Working With… Exhibition Poster, 2011.

Zak Kyes lives and works in London. In 2005, he founded the design studio Zak Group and in 2006 he became Art Director of the Architectural Association (AA), London. While at the AA, Kyes organized the exhibition Forms of Inquiry: The Architecture of Critical Graphic Design. He also cofounded Bedford Press, an imprint that seeks to develop new models for contemporary publishing. By broadening the specialized role of the designer, Kyes challenges today’s graphic design practice.

The Graham Foundation awards project-based grants and creates public programs to encourage the development and exchange of challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture and society. Created by prominent Chicago architect Ernest R. Graham, the Foundation has awarded more than 3,900 grants to individuals and organizations.

The Graham Foundation is located in the Madlener House, 4 West Burton Place. For additional information, visit their website.

Photo credit: Artefaqs.

Emmaline Niendorf is a Content Manager with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Neighborhood Guide: The Graham Foundation

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: January 25, 2012

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts presents Ceci n’est pas une rêverie: The Architecture of Stanley Tigerman, opening January 26, 2012.

Ceci n’est pas une rêverie (This is not a dream) is a retrospective and reexamination of the architectural concepts of Stanley Tigerman. The installation spreads through all three floors of the Graham Foundation’s Madlener House. Tigerman’s texts, sketches, architectural drawings and models are organized in relation to nine themes, including Utopia, Allegory, Humor, Death, Division, (Dis)Order, Identity, Yaleiana and Drift. The exhibition is on view through May 19, 2012.

Chicago_Graham Foundation_Stanley Tigerman_Titantic

Stanley Tigerman, American, born 1930, The Titanic, 1978, Photomontage on paper, Approx. 28 x 35.7 cm, Gift of Stanley Tigerman, 1984.802, The Art Institute of Chicago. Photography © The Art Institute of Chicago.

Ceci n’est pas une rêverie was curated by Emmanuel Petit, Associate Professor in the Yale School of Architecture. The Chicago presentation is organized by Sarah Herda and Ellen Hartwell Alderman from the Graham Foundation.

Stanley Tigerman is a Chicago native who earned his BA and MA from Yale University. In 1986, he founded Tigerman McCurry Architects with his wife Margaret McCurry. His accomplishments extend to authoring seven books, representing the U.S. at the 1976 and 1980 Venice Biennales and exhibiting in major galleries and museums around the world.

Chicago_Graham Foundation_Stanley Tigerman_Architoon_Houston

Stanley Tigerman, Architoon - Houston, 1983.

Chicago architecture_Graham Foundation_Stanley Tigerman_Career Collage

Stanley Tigerman, Career Collage, 1978.

Tigerman has also shown a strong dedication to advancing Chicago architecture. Most recently, he co-curated the exhibition Design on the Edge: Chicago Architects Reimagine Neighborhoods, featuring transit projects commissioned by the city’s top young design talent. The exhibition is currently on view at the Chicago Architecture Foundation and was supported with a grant from the Graham Foundation.

Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation makes project-based grants to individuals and organizations and produces public programs to foster the exchange of challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture and society. The Graham Foundation is located in the Madlener House, a 9,000 square foot Prairie-style mansion located in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago.

Chicago architecture_Graham Foundation_Stanley Tigerman_Instant City Model

Stanley Tigerman, Instant City Model, 1966. Photo Balthazar Korab.

Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11AM to 5PM; every third Thursday of the month, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Graham Foundation will offer public tours of Ceci n’est pas une rêverie every Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts is located in the Madlener House at 4 West Burton Place. For additional information, call 312.787.4071 or visit Graham Foundation.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Lux Life: Chicago Architecture Foundation Presents Design on the Edge

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: December 20, 2011

Chicago Architecture Foundation presents Design on the Edge: Chicago Architects Reimagine Neighborhoods. This exhibition, funded by the Graham Foundation, asks leading creative thinkers to tackle the challenges facing the city’s communities. Noted architect Stanley Tigerman and veteran urban planner William Martin collaborated with the Chicago Architecture Foundation on this project to engage the following architects to create visionary plans that demonstrate how design can forge connections between and within communities, drive economic growth and intensify the culture of the city.

Chicago Architecture Foundation_Jeanne Gang_Gang Model Rendering_Youth Center

The Youth Center building is a center for activities and events while providing a second access point to the “L” Red Line Addison stop. Instead of competition, however, this space is meant for peace and cooperation, as it plays host to multicultural events such as markets and festivals. Inside, the Youth Center houses gathering halls, rooms for learning, and spaces for dialogue (such as a dedicated Skype room with giant monitors for connecting with remote friends and presenters).This rendering shows the Youth Center’s relationship with nearby Wrigley Field.

Chicago Architecture Foundation_Jeanne Gang_Building Sketch_L stop_Youth Center

The Youth Center building is a center for activities and events while providing a second access point to the “L” Red Line Addison stop. Instead of competition, however, this space is meant for peace and cooperation, as it plays host to multicultural events such as markets and festivals. Inside, the Youth Center houses gathering halls, rooms for learning, and spaces for dialogue (such as a dedicated Skype room with giant monitors for connecting with remote friends and presenters). This sketch by Jeanne Gang shows its relation to the “L” stop.

The exhibition presents proposals for seven sites, designed by Chicago architects: John Ronan, Jeanne Gang, Ross Wimer, Darryl Crosby, Doug Garofalo with Xavier Vendrell, Sarah Dunn, and Patricia Natke. Design on the Edge will focus on transit-oriented development, generating public interest in and discussion about creating vibrant, walkable, diverse neighborhoods.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. CAF public programs work to challenge and inspire diverse audiences to explore the role of architecture in shaping their lives and creating communities that are both culturally vibrant and environmentally sustainable.

Chicago Architecture Foundation_Design on the Edge_Wimer Street_Midway Loop

The proposed Midway Loop is a hybrid airport/neighborhood building could be a great destination for all Chicagoans, even if they are not flying, and a place that recaptures the energy and excitement of flight. The exterior envelope of the station is a pneumatic shell that houses the program and works as an acoustical barrier without posing a hazard to aircraft. The building would incorporate the Orange Line “L” and contain restaurants, retails stores, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths to invite the surrounding neighborhoods.

Chicago Architecture Foundation_Design on the Edge_Ross Wimer_Interior View_Midway Loop

The proposed Midway Loop is a hybrid airport/neighborhood building that serves as a destination for all Chicagoans, even if they are not flying. The exterior envelope of the station is a pneumatic shell that houses shops, restaurants and the Orange Line station, and works as an acoustical barrier without posing a hazard to aircraft.

Chicago Architecture Foundation_Design on the Edge_Ross Wimer_Midway Loop

The proposed Midway Loop is a hybrid airport/neighborhood building that serves as a destination for all Chicagoans, even if they are not flying. The exterior envelope of the station is a pneumatic shell that houses shops, restaurants and the Orange Line station, and works as an acoustical barrier without posing a hazard to aircraft.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is located at 224 South Michigan Avenue. For additional information, call 312.922.3432 or visit Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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Lux Life: The Graham Foundation

By
Emmaline Niendorf
Published: September 29, 2011

Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in Fine Arts has been one of Chicago’s most prestigious cultural institutions since 1956. The Graham Foundation is available to the public not only as a forum on architecture and design but also as a gallery. The 2011 season opens October 7 with the exhibition Nancy Holt: Sightlines.

The Foundation awards project-based grants and creates public programs to encourage the development and exchange of challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture and society. Created by prominent Chicago architect Ernest R. Graham, the Foundation has awarded more than 3,900 grants to individuals and organizations.

Graham Foundatiom_Nancy Holt_Sightlines_Concrete Visions

Nancy Holt, Concrete Visions, 1967, composite of four 126-format black-and-white photographs, New Jersey.

The Graham Foundation seeks to provide opportunities to create projects in a way that will contribute to artists’ creative, intellectual and professional growth at critical stages in their careers. By providing a space to take positions and engage in debate, artists and their communities work to develop new forms of expression. A crucial piece of Chicago’s history, the Graham Foundation helps integrate artists and their work with the community at large.

The Graham Foundation has truly stood the test of time. By continuing to take necessary risks to support innovative architectural projects, they maintain their commitment to Ernest Graham’s original concepts. Every grant applicant is considered on an objective basis, providing a platform to support new and existing artists and communicate their work in the public sphere, reaching wide and diverse audiences.

Nancy Holt: Sightlines
October 2 – December 17, 2011

Graham Foundation_Nancy Holt_Holt filming Sun Tunnels

Nancy Holt shooting the film Sun Tunnels, 1978, The Papers of Nancy Holt, Galisteo, New Mexico. Photo Lee Deffebach.

Opening October 2, the Graham Foundation presents Nancy Holt: Sightlines, offering an in-depth look at the early projects of this important American artist whose pioneering work falls at the intersection of art, architecture and time-based media. A symposium, artists talk and book-signing talk will take place on Saturday, October 8.

Since the late 1960s, Nancy Holt has created a diverse body of work, including films, videos, installations, sound art and concrete poetry. The exhibition includes documentation from more than 40 different projects, showcasing films, videos and related works from 1966 to 1980.The exhibit also features pivotal works that transform how we perceive landscape through the use of different observational modes.

Graham Foundation_Nancy Holt_Sightlines_Views Through a Sand Dune

Nancy Holt, Views Through a Sand Dune, 1972, cement-asbestos pipe, sand, Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island.

Featured in the exhibition are Holt’s film Sun Tunnels (1978), which documents the creation of her well-known site-specific work Sun Tunnels, and Pine Barrens (1975), a meditative documentary about a notoriously vast, undeveloped region in central New Jersey. Through her use of cylindrical forms, light and techniques of reflection, Holt allows viewers to engage with the landscape in new and challenging ways.

Nancy Holt has been awarded numerous prestigious awards, including five National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Internationally recognized, Holt’s work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Tate Modern in London, and elsewhere.

Nancy Holt_Sightlines_Horizon Views_Sun Tunnels

Nancy Holt, Preparatory drawing of “Sun Tunnels,” 1975, pencil and twelve black and white photographs on paper, 14x20in.

Graham Foundation_Nancy Holt_Sightlines_Sun Tunnels

Nancy Holt, Sun Tunnels, 1973-76, concrete, steel, earth. Great Basin Desert, Utah.


The Graham Foundation is located in the Madlener House, 4 West Burton Place. For additional information, call 312. 787.4071 or visit Graham Foundation.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.

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