Ongoing Successes, Upcoming Shows
In a development signifying the blooming recognition of his artistic expression, Chicago-based multimedia artist Courtney Jolliff has been invited to exhibit his works at the Black Boy Art Show, a major venue for Black artists. The event will take place in Chicago on June 16, with the venue to be announced in May.
“When you follow your heart,” Courtney said while reflecting on this opportunity, “you’re always going to meet something to sustain that passion.”
In addition to participating in the Black Boy Art Show, Courtney will be hosting a pop-up outdoor exhibit of a series of ten original artworks paying homage to Promontory Point in May near the 55th Street tunnel (under Lake Shore Drive).
The date will be selected based on predicted weather and the show will include live music from a local sound artist. Stay tuned to this newsletter for more information, and if you live in Hyde Park, keep an eye out for the show posters.
This show will be of particular interest to fans of the Point.
“I’ve witnessed everything at the Point,” Courtney says. “Every kind of joy, every kind of love, every kind of sadness, every kind of romance, every kind of gathering.”
The artworks of this series aim to capture that experience of The Point, where Courtney notes people from all over Chicago and all over the world come to gather, to be alone with nature, and to be together in the open air.
“Chicago is extremely segregated,” he observes, “so this is something for everyone to witness with their eyes and minds, to see that – it’s a healing experience. It’s been a lot of fun depicting everyone’s experience and still having such a personal experience of it.”
“I’m a Black painter,” he said in a recent conversation, “but here it’s like we are literally a tribe of the Point. This show is so outside of myself, outside of what I normally create. It’s almost like a safe space. For artists, so much art comes from depression and confusion, you’re searching. But I have such a clear experience with Hyde Park – so many good feelings and experiences. It’s such a joy to create from that point of energy.”
Courtney Jolliff’s “To the Point” show is presently obtaining sponsors, including (excitingly) directors and producers of THE CHI, the Showtime series about life in a Southside Chicago neighborhood.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact the artist to learn about the sponsorship opportunities available.
Earlier this month, Courtney attended the Chicago Art Expo and had an opportunity to meet up with Chance the Rapper, a fellow alum of Columbia College Chicago.
“I feel like meeting him – a brother who does things his own way – is the universe telling me to do things my own way,” Courtney said with a laugh, recalling the meeting.
Also in conjunction with Expo, one of Courtney’s Hood Trophies made it into the office of Clinée Hedspeth, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Hood Trophies produced by Courtney Jolliff honor exceptional acts of public service, particularly in the area of supporting artists.
Ms. Hedspeth is herself a collector of Jolliff’s art, having previously purchased “The Black Joker and the Black Harlequin.”
The following photo shows Courtney and Ms. Hedspeth in the garden of Raub Studios in Chicago, the photo being the inspiration for the artwork. The work is from a series entitled “Courtney’s Favorite Selfies and Memories.”
Marking a busy month, Courtney also recently completed his first major commission, delivering “Seven Hermetic Principles” to patron Malik Blair.
More information on commissions is available here.
The website for Courtney Jolliff’s Art now also features a page where you can view a selection of work for sale.
Wanting to see an example of Courtney’s work in person before the upcoming shows? Head over to 43rd near the Green Line for newly contributed public art.
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