Sergio Gomez’s CuratED EXHIBITIONs

2024

Echoes: Weaving Identity and Belonging

Zhou B Art Center, September 20 to Nov 10, 2024
Curated by: Sergio Gomez

“Echoes: Weaving Identity and Belonging,” is a compelling exhibition curated by Sergio Gomez, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This exhibition brings together contemporary artists of Latino heritage, showcasing a rich tapestry of works that explore themes of identity, belonging, connection, and identification.

“Echoes” features an eclectic mix of mediums, from the tactile beauty of fiber arts to the vivid expressions of painting. Each piece resonates with the unique cultural narratives and personal journeys of the artists, creating a dynamic dialogue between tradition and contemporary experience.

Through their diverse artistic practices, these artists weave together stories that highlight the multifaceted nature of Latino identity. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the powerful echoes of heritage, as artists express their individual and collective experiences of belonging and connection.

ARTISTS: Milena Arango, Tony Armendariz, Andres Bustamante, Juan Botello, Alejandro Botubol, Andres Bustamante, Mercedes Cardenas, Paola Charnet, Sergio Farfan, Sergio Gomez, Alejandra Gotera, Erika Hillefeld, Eduardo Lopez, Oscar Luis Martinez, Elsa Munoz, Ana Maria Nava, Martina Nevado, Debora Rosental, Juliet Russo, Paola Sanchez, Carlos Santos, Melina Scotte, Angelica Sua, Aida Tejada, and Rosalie White

Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring

Zhou B. Art Center, March 15 to May 10, 2024 ​
Curated by: Sergio Gomez

Curated by Sergio Gomez, “Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring” is an innovative dual-exhibition that spans both the tangible and the digital spaces. This exhibition invites viewers on a journey through the myriad ways artists interpret the awakening of the earth as winter’s grasp loosens and spring’s first tendrils emerge. Through a curated selection of contemporary paintings, the exhibition explores the multifaceted narratives of spring—a time of unparalleled growth, blossoming beauty, and the rebirth of nature’s vibrant palette.

“Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring” celebrates the cyclical dance of life, where death and dormancy give way to life and vibrancy. It reflects on the broader implications of growth and renewal in our lives and communities, prompting a dialogue on how the themes of bloom and rejuvenation can inspire positive change. This encourages us to consider our roles in nurturing and protecting the environment that sustains us.

The physical exhibition at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago offers an intimate exploration of spring’s transformative essence, where each piece serves as a window into the artist’s personal engagement with the season. Simultaneously, a parallel augmented reality exhibition extends this experience into the digital domain, accessible online at www.sergiogomezcurates.net.

Curated by Sergio Gomez, this exhibition is a testament to the power of art to connect us with the natural world and with each other. Whether experienced in person at the Zhou B Art Center or through the augmented reality platform online, “Awakening Earth: Narratives of Spring” is an ode to the beauty of life’s perpetual renewal and the endless cycle of life.

Selected Artists: Montserrat Alsina, Mark Banks, Jason Branscum, Carmen Chami, Kei J. Constantinou, Laurence de Valmy, Karen Fike, Linda Friedman Schmidt, Eva Evangelista, Kathleen Heitmann, Andrea F Huffman, David Gista, Michael Ireland, Phil Irish, Sarah Kaiser-Amaral, Kasia Kay, Ananda Kesler, Sarah Larsen, Barbara Leahy-Edwards, Shari LeMonnier, Diana Leviton Gondek, Francisco Marin, Sarah McAllister, MKODJ, David E. Morris, Fred Moss,Nancy Natow-Cassidy, InJung Oh, Deborah Perlman, Danielle Probst, Patricia RAIN Gianneschi, Anke Richert-Korioth, Brenda Robson, Kathleen Roman, Jordan Scott, Linda Scholly, Beth Shadur, Jennifer Small, Joalida Smit, Jessica Smit Mattingly, Roslyne Smith, Tiphanie Spencer, S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino, Beth Swanson, Kasia Szczesniewski, Chris Turner, Erika Vazzana, Vincent Vittorini, Colette Wright Adams

2023

Beyond the Brush: Mark Making in Abstraction

Zhou B. Art Center, March 17 - 12 May 2023 ​
CURATED BY Sergio Gomez

The Zhou B Art Center in Chicago is proud to announce the opening of “Beyond the Brush: Mark Making in Abstraction”, an art exhibit curated by Sergio Gomez. The exhibition explores the creative ways in which artists have utilized alternative tools, techniques, and materials to produce abstract paintings.

The opening reception for the exhibition will take place on March 17, 2023, from 7 to 10 pm. The public is invited to attend and enjoy meeting the artists while viewing the impressive collection of abstract works.

“Beyond the Brush: Mark Making in Abstraction” features a diverse selection of abstract paintings from artists who have embraced innovative and unconventional mark-making techniques. Found objects, layering and mixing of media, and other alternative tools and techniques have been utilized by artists to create unique textures and mark-making effects.

Curated by Sergio Gomez, “Beyond the Brush: Mark Making in Abstraction” presents a broad range of abstract works that explore the expressive potential of mark-making. The exhibit features works from artists BOJITT, Drew Harris, Michael Ireland, Sebastien Johnson, Hai S. Lam, MKODJ, and Carlos Santos.

2022

Liberating the Flesh

Zhou B. Art Center, July 15 - September 2022 ​
CURATED BY: SERGIO GOMEZ AND DIDI MENENDEZ, 33 CONTEMPORARY GALLERY

An exhibition of figurative paintings by 30 artists from the US and abroad. Liberating the Flesh centers the human form as the subject of human expression. From figurative abstraction to realism, these works help us see and experience the figure in various contemporary ways.

2021

Membranes of Perception

Zhou B. Art Center, March 2 - July 21, 2021 ​
Curated by: Sergio Gomez

Zhou B Art Center is pleased to present Membranes of Perception, an exhibition interrupted by the pandemic and extended a an online exhibition. The show explores ways in which we perceive visual experiences through the artist’s process of layering, repetition, mark-making, multiplicity or fragmentations of materials and ideas. In their individual state, such elements would not provoke the same reaction. Curated by Sergio Gomez.​

FEATURED ARTISTS: Jeff Stevenson, Steve Sherrill, Jelena Berenc, Deanna Krueger, Lynn Tsan, Keith VanWinkle, Mandy Cano Villalobos, and Mary Paz

2020

Threads of Truth

Zhou B. Art Center, January 17- February 21, 2020​
Curated by Sergio Gomez

Threads of Truth is a fiber arts based exhibition focusing on exploring work of social activism by artists working in the fiber arts medium. This exhibition will provide a forum for works which explore various facets of social activism, criticism and global impact. Threads of Truth will pose questions, raise awareness and bring light to some of the many issues that confront our world today. While fiber art is often considered a gentle medium, this exhibition will reveal it’s other side.​

FEATURED ARTISTS: Allison Geller, Yvette Kaiser Smith, Yulia Shtern, Anne Bouie, Teresita Carson Valdéz, Susan Ossman, Gina Lee Robbins, Margarita Fainshtein, Helen Dannelly, Priscilla Perkins, Kathy Weaver, Katherine Van Drie, Patricia Davoust, Shawn Quinlan, Judith Roston Freilich, Beatriz Mejia-Krumbein, Dorothy C. Straughter, Lilach Scharg, Lily Martina Lee, Zelene Schlosberg, Suzie Tuchman, Vivian Han Lin, Evee Erb, Hope Wang, Katherine Steichen Rosing, Lita Lovestone, Georgia Schwender, Lorna Watkins, Julie McGuire, Judy Bales, Elizabeth Fram, India R. Tresselt, Kathryn Frund, Fidelia Castro, David Schwittek, David Versluis, Rosy Petri, Nanon C. F. Morsink, Barbara Jugovac, Cassandra Walters, Sharon R. Davis, Laurie LeBreton, Cecilia de Lima, Lindsay Olson, Catherine Schwalbe, Jenni Bateman, Vicky Lentz, Raven Dock, Krishma Patel, Kevin Dotson, Molly MacDonald, María José Mir, Mario Loprete, Sara Peak Convery, Lena Bartula, Helena Wadsley, Sally Ko, Arantxa Rodriguez, Christybomb

2019

PAINTING THE FIGURE NOW

Zhou B. Art Center, October 18 - December 9, 2019
Curated by Sergio Gomez and Didi Menendez

PAINTING THE FIGURE NOW seeks to show quality painting that investigates the many ways we see the human figure now. Contemporary approaches to portraiture, narrative, and any and all visualizations focusing on the human form in life, action, play, work, and repose. We want to exhibit artists who understand the finest traditions of figurative art. We believe the human form is an endlessly interesting subject with inexhaustible potential. We want to see humanity with a relevant, fresh, and contemporary feeling.

2018

​Everything: Jeff Zimmermann solo exhibition

Zhou B. Art Center, October 19 - November 10, 2018​
CURATED BY: Sergio Gomez

A native of Chicago, Jeff Zimmermann has achieved national and international recognition for his large scale murals featuring painted images of contemporary pop culture and sensitively rendered portraits. Zimmermann’s pop-culture references range from innocuous consumer products such as beer cans, hard candy rings, and high healed shoes, to more symbolically charged images like pistols and portraits of political figures. The images are discrete and floating, knitted together by geometric areas of flat color. The overall aesthetic is smooth and sensual: shiny metal and glossy surfaces, rendered in saturated colors. Zimmermann’s paintings have the sex appeal of commercial art, and any irony surrounding that connection is light and playful.

While rooted in contemporary life and consumer culture, Zimmermann’s work also reveals a sympathetic affinity for everyday people. And though he carefully avoids didacticism, instead playing the role of objective visual journalist, viewers may get the sense that he has reached his own conclusions. The portraits Zimmermann renders on such enormous scale enact a specific agenda in his work. In an effort to subvert the notion of what corporate and entertainment culture considers newsworthy, Zimmermann incorporates into his murals a diversity of people who live and work in the communities he visits—these are not the faces we know from the news, magazines, and television, or those whose historical or political status already qualifies them as subjects for public art.

Incorporating into his works people excluded from the aforementioned categories—what he calls real people—Zimmermann familiarizes himself with a community while allowing its members to breathe authenticity and life into his paintings. The portraits in Zimmermann’s artwork are dignified and attractive, directing the viewer conversation toward a democratic humanitarian dialog, while giving the work an emotional depth that complements the polished context of his product-based world.

Although accomplished and celebrated for his public works, Zimmermann’s studio works have not received a solo exhibition in 10 years. EVERYTHING, opening on October 19 at the Zhou B Art Center, celebrates Zimmermann’s most recent bodies of work including large scale paintings, works on paper and sculptures.

The imagery presented in the exhibition features the detritus of the abandoned lot: chips wrappers, crushed aluminum cans. “Found” artwork on plywood referencing the changing dynamics of chicago’s neighborhoods. Additionally, the exhibition presents recent “Love Knot” paintings which have become a recognized iconic symbol in Zimmermann’s work. The knot’s technical approach invites the viewer to to reach out and touch the frayed fibers of the rope. The nautical knot is created by bringing two different colored ropes together. They are pulled together with force and create tension. When forced together, the two different ropes become one and work together as a whole. From a distance, we perceive the knot shape as a heart becoming a metaphor for what Chicago and our country needs in this moment. Zimmermann has exhibited internationally at The MCA Chicago and Chicago Cultural Center. His work has been featured in national media including the Today Show and in the New York Times. He has created site specific commissions for Fortune 500 companies.

Cycles of Contemporary Mexican Photography

Zhou B. Art Center, June 15 - July 14, 2018
Organized by Sergio Gomez and Ernesto Marenco

“Cycles of Contemporary Mexican Photography” consists of 4 individual sections: 3 photographers presenting their own works, and collaborating on one collective photographic exhibition.

Maximo Cerdio, Arturo Betancourt, Rene Torres Escoto, and Ernesto Marenco

National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2018

Zhou B. Art Center, January 19 - February 10, 2018
Curated by Sergio Gomez

The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial Exhibition was founded in 2010 by Sergio Gomez. It is an outlook and an overview of top MFA painting programs in the United States. Wet Paint refers to the idea that this is a fresh group of artists. They are MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) candidates and recent MFA recipients working primarily in the medium of painting. Now on its fourth edition this growing and highly competitive juried exhibition will bring to Chicago some of the most talented emerging artists in the country.

Wet Paint 2018 is fully funded by the Zhou B. Art Center which makes it possible for graduate students to submit works for consideration at no cost. The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2018 takes place from January 19 to February 10 in the spacious second floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center. Wet Paint is juried by the Zhou B Art Center’s selection team and curated by Sergio Gomez, MFA.

The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2018 seeks to highlight traditional and experimental ways contemporary artists incorporate and embrace painting as their primary medium.

2017

Woman as Warrior

Zhou B. Art Center, August 18 - October 13, 2017
A publication and exhibition curated by Didi Menendez (Poets & Artists) and Sergio Gomez (Zhou B Art Center).

Our first experience with warriors may have started in the home. For others, encounters with warriors may have been through schools, the work force, homeland, government and/or fighting battles either personal or out in the field.

We are dedicating this exhibition to the woman who symbolizes a hero among champions.

FEATURED ARTISTS: Raymond Thornton, Stephen Wright, Marco Gallotta, Devon Rodriguez, Donna Bates, Gary Justis, Felice House, Shana Levenson, Victoria Selbach

Timoteo and His World

Zhou B. Art Center, June 16 - August 11, 2017
A solo show by Mexican sculptor Rodrigo de la Sierra. Curated by Margaret Failoni and Sergio Gomez

To convey a large selection of conceptual thought on the direction the world is taking, Rodrigo de la Sierra switches to different sculptural techniques depending on the particular message. He has created Timoteo -better known as Timo- an alter ego figure with a submissive, gentle, child-like continence which makes the very conceptual pill he administrates much easier to swallow. Children delight in this playful, appealing figure. Adults, on the other hand, can take the time to study what is behind this little man’s performance. It is this dichotomy which is so fascinating: a child like figure of a man used to create conceptual art. Is it the financial debacle of the last eight years (Los de arriba, los de abajo)? Or could it be the present day materialistic diminishing values such as seen in the “Ego” series? Are we all so frustrated, depressed and stressed out that we have to resort to a mechanical means of “Happiness”? What does it mean to have ‘arrived’ in today’s society? Are we caught up with the never ending quest ‘to make it’ (Escalera Eletrica) even if it means stepping over someone to get there (Bajo Controle)? Who are we and who do we want to be (Acto Reflejo)?

Geometric Complexions

Zhou B. Art Center, April 28 - June 9, 2017
CURATED BY Sergio Gomez

Geometric Complexions is an exhibition featuring 13 artists from the US, Iran, Mexico and Italy. The exhibition explores the visual language of geometric abstraction in the context of contemporary art. Traced as far back as 1908 with the birth of cubism, geometric abstraction continues to evolve in studios of many contemporary artists today. Anchored in simplicity, repetition, flattened geometry and color harmony, some of these works are also reminiscent of the minimalist and Bauhaus movements.

ARTISTS: Liz Mares, Eric Tucker, Jordan Scott, Mario Gonzalez Jr, Arantxa, Robert Porazinski, David Versluis, Enrico Magnani, Steven Lockwood, Sarvin Saghighi, Krista Svalbonas, Ruben Aguirre, Marissa Voytenko.

2016

FREAK OUT!

Zhou B Art Center, April 15 - May 16, 2016
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ AND DIDI MENENDEZ

Brush off your platform shoes and Hustle on down to the Zhou B Art Center for FREAK OUT! Chicago, an exhibition curated by Didi Menendez and Sergio Gomez.

Freak OUT! is an exhibition of the arts expressing the boldness, liberation, individuality, coming of age and decadence of the Disco era. The works will include visual arts in various mediums and styles including poetry, video, sculpture, and performance. The exhibition will take place in the 13,000 sf second floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center.

For this exhibition, Didi Menendez (PoetsArtists Magazine) and Sergio Gomez (Zhou B Art Center Curator) will collaborate to bring together a careful selection of talented artists celebrating the spirit of the Disco era. Through this exhibition, curators Menendez and Gomez will bring a unique celebratory experience to Chicago. There will be a disco ball!

National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2016

Zhou B Art Center, January 15 - February 15, 2016
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial Exhibition 2016 is an outlook and an overview of top MFA painting programs in the United States. Wet Paint refers to the idea that this is a fresh group of artists. They are MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) candidates and recent MFA recipients working primarily in the medium of painting. Now on its fourth edition this growing and highly competitive juried exhibition will bring to Chicago some of the most talented emerging artists in the country. Wet Paint 2016 is fully funded by the Zhou B. Art Center which makes it possible for graduate students to submit works for consideration at no cost. The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2016 takes place from January 15 to February 13 in the spacious second floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center. Wet Paint is juried by the Zhou B Art Center’s selection team and curated by Sergio Gomez, MFA. The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2016 seeks to highlight traditional and experimental ways contemporary artists incorporate and embrace painting as their primary medium.​

2015

FLAYED

Zhou B Art Center, November 20 - December 12, 2015
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

The Zhou B Art Center presents FLAYED: a collaborative installation by Eric J. Garcia, Salvador Jiménez-Flores and Gabriel Villa. FLAYED is a joint project depicting the “personal evolution of the creative process”. Garcia, Jiménez-Flores and Villa unite to produce 20 – 9 x 12 ft. (double sided) works graphically highlighting key moments in their artist’s evolution. By delving into the memory pool and locating time markers, they attempt to unpack what motivated or sparked their creative pursuits. The outcome is a visual journey into the minds of three artists as they go in search of the special and personal recollections inspiration.​

SEDUCTIVE MATERIAL

Zhou B Art Center, May 15 - June 15, 2015
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

Seductive Material examines the artist as an explorer of physical matter and seducer of material in the art-making process. From found objects to fabricated materials, these artists create three-dimensional structures that investigate our sense of either personal identity, space, location, time, presence or ultimately transcendence.

I AMERICAN

Zhou B Art Center, January 16 - February 16, 2015
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

I AM American Exhibition is not a single perspective on immigration or ethnicity. Instead, using a variety of styles, visual forms, symbols and metaphors, each work provides a wide angle view into the multi-cultural experience. Some of the artists are first, second or third generation immigrants. Others, can trace their heritage back to the Native American Indians. In that sense, this non-literal exhibition on the American experience provides the viewer with ample room for conversation and personal interpretation. Some works directly approach the theme of identity while others delve on other subjects related to the American experience. Ultimately, this exhibit explores the meaning of being “American”.

2014

Curator's Choice 10th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition

Zhou B. Art Center, July 18, 2014
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTIST(S): Terry Adams, Dan Addington, Stephanie Addington, Tim Arroyo, Rine Boyer, Corinna Button, Matthew Cherry, Maribeth Coffey-Sears, Rory Coyne, Jennifer Cronin, Pia Cruzalegui, Dan Davidson, Alma Dominguez, Benjamin Fedosky, Christine Forni, Miranda Graham, Mario Gonzalez Jr., Patrick Earl Hammie, Juarez Hawkins, Jason John, Lauren, Levato Coyne, Diana Leviton Gondek, Liz Mares, Mays Mayhew, Gabriel Mejia, Jennifer Moore, InJung Oh, Leasha Overturf, Joyce Owens, Alfonso Piloto Nieves, Robin Rios, Marina Ross, James S. Rousonelos, Erin McClellan Zhoushi, Masani Landfair, Jessica Segal, Jeff Stevenson, Len Upin, Garry Vettori, John Walker, Great Zakrzewska, Marzen Ziejka, John Zilewicz, and Jill Zylke.

The Zhou B Art Center and 33 Contemporary Gallery present “Curator’s Choice: The 10th National Self Portrait Exhibition”. This annual event began in 2005 at then 33 Collective Gallery as a way to explore and document the long history and practice of self-portraiture in contemporary art.

To celebrate the final year of this annual exhibition, curator Sergio Gomez has personally invited a selection of artists who have exhibited within the last ten years. This exhibition titled “Curator’s Choice” celebrates one decade of contemporary self-portraiture. It opens on July 18th in the spacious second floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center.

Subconscious Plot: Solo Exhibition by Lakita

Zhou B Art Center, July 20, 2014
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTIST: Lakita

The Zhou B Art Center is pleased to present the solo exhibition “Subconscious Plot” by emerging Chinese photographer Lakita. This exhibition comes directly from China to debut in US in the spacious second floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center. To discover the process of individual consciousness, Lakita’s work embodies a reflection of her participation in society. The simple elements of her creations, as seen from the characters and backgrounds, are also her state of mind’s presence and absence in society. Lakita’s unique personal vision which fusions fine art and fashion photography provides the viewer with an insight into the subconscious elements of our postmodern life experience. Even though Lakita employs beauty as her language for creation and connects her love for life, it is through her interaction with humanity that she chooses to stray away from the face value of its contents. Using the photographic medium as a tool for awareness, Lakita digs and processes the scenes from the abstract mind, exploring ways to control the uncontrollable thoughts.

Lakita, a fashion photographic artist, is considered the first in advocating the Fashion Art Photography Concept in China. While still in school, Lakita won numerous awards such as Academy Awards (China) and Times Awards (Taiwan). During her career, Lakita worked with a number of renowned magazines including Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Rob’s report, Vision, Modern Weekly, Lifestyle, Hotspot, Elegance, Grace, Fashion Weekly, Milk, 1626 and 0086. She has held 4 individual photography exhibitions in Beijing 798 art zone (2008), Shenzhen OCAT (2009), St. Petersburg (2010), and TaikooHui Guangzhou (2013), and was invited to attend the fourth international photography exhibition in Lianzhou, China in 2008. In 2011, she was invited to attend “Dig The New breed” fashion exhibition in London. In 2013, Lakita collaborated with South African street artist Faith47 in Art Basel Miami Beach exhibition.

Lakita was praised by the magazine Milk (Hong Kong) as one of the most pioneer young female photographers in China; she was also praised by the professional design magazine 360 concept and design as the only female cutting-edge and creative photographers.

Gaze & Dialogue II

Zhou B Art Center, May 16, 2014
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

In 2011, the first “Gaze & Dialogue Photography Contest” project received high praise. Because of its success, the event sponsors hosted “Gaze & Dialogue II Photography Contest” in 2013.

“The Gaze & Dialogue” project promotes cultural exchange between China and the United States through photography in order to further mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

“Gaze & Dialogue II” focuses on shooting scenic spots featuring two caves: Tenglong Cave, Hubei, China; and Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA that are thousands of miles apart. These two magnificent caves are among their continents' largest natural caves. Chinese and American photographers were invited to show their vision of the world through their photographs.

FIXATION

Zhou B Art Center, April 18, 2014
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ, DIDI MENENDEZ

POET(S): Sarah Blake, Ana Menendez, Ken Taylor, Richard Blanco, Tara Betts, Grace Cavalieri, Kathleen Kirk, Terry Lucas, Denise Duhamel, Nin Andrews, Reb Livingston, Sam Rasnake, Amy Serrano, Geof Huth, David Krump, John Korn, and Emma Trelles.

ARTIST(S): Terri Thomas, Brianna Angelakis, Rory Coyne, Matthew Cherry, Ryan Shultz, Eloy Morales, Denis Peterson, Lauren Levato Coyne, Nick Ward, Patrick Earl, Hammie, Miranda Graham, Harry Sudman, Marcos Raya, Ernesto Marenco, Karen Kaapcke, Jennifer Koe, Ivonne Bess, Cesar Santos, Daena Title, Nadine Robbins, Tracy Stuckey, Brian Busch, Daniel Ochoa, and Jaime Valero.

“Fixation” is an exhibition and a publication of art and poetry focused on the physical/psychological preoccupation or obsession over an object or subject. The exhibition explores the subject of fixation as a continuous and elusive preoccupation of our human experience through written and visual art. The curators invited 24 artists and 17 poets to create works based on their understanding and perception of the theme of fixation. The result is a group exhibition including painting, drawing, photography and poetry. Each work brings light to the artist’s own preoccupations unearthed by his/her personal fixations. “Fixation” takes place in a gallery setting, print and digital formats.

National Wet Paint MFA Biennial 2014

Zhou B Art Center, January 17, 2014​
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTIST(S): Gabriela Amaya-Baron, Julie Rotblatt Amrany, Andres Arizaga, Kim Benson, Kevin B Blake, Andrew Brown, Carolyn Burns, Jonathan Casserilla, Namwon Choi, Katie St. Clair, Brandon C. Cline, Federico Cuatlacuatl, Jenny Day, Jennifer Diaz, Ani Garabedian, Ebrahim Namdar Ghanbari, Claire Girodie, Miranda Graham, Tatsuki Hakoyama, Ken Hill, Erin Hinz, Aneka Ingold, Chintia Kirana, Elizabeth Klingler, Aitor Lajarin, James Lambert, Tiffany Livingston, James Louks, Chase McBride, Thomas Moore, Diana Neudorf, Gina O’Connor, Marcus Payzant, Christine Bush Roman, Celeste Rapone, Luis Sahagun, Sweet Samson, Heather Sandy, Michael Seeley, Alison Stinely, Janet Suarez, Molly Teitelbaum, Harry William Sidebotham II, Adrian Waggoner, Ryan Weatherly, and Bernadette Witzack

“The National Wet Paint MFA Biennial Exhibition 2014” is an outlook and an overview of top MFA painting programs in the United States. “Wet Paint” refers to the idea that this is a fresh group of artists. They are MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) candidates and recent MFA recipients working primarily in the medium of painting. Now on its fourth edition this growing and highly competitive juried exhibition will bring to Chicago some of the most talented emerging artists in the country. “Wet Paint 2014” is fully funded by the Zhou B. Art Center, which makes it possible for graduate students to submit works for consideration at no cost. “Wet Paint 2014” takes place from January 13 to February 15 in the spacious second floor gallery of the Zhou B Art Center. “Wet Paint” is juried and curated by Sergio Gomez, MFA.

2013

Lightsense

Zhou B Art Center, July 19, 2013
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTIST(S): Archisbang, Patti Bartelstein, Pia Cruzalegui, Daniel DeLuna, Bree Gomez, Sanghwa Hong, Patrick Lichty, Elysia Lock, Steven Lockwood, Dana Major, Daniel Miller, Yva Neal, Julie Oh, Mindy Sherman, Bernard Szajner, Monika Wulfers, and Josephine Lipuma/DIane Ponder/Connie Fillippelli.

“Lightsense” is an exhibition converging light, art & technology. Emerging technologies and experimentation give way to innovative art-making practices. “Lightsense” explores systems and structures used by contemporary artists in the pursue of a greater understanding of the world and environment we inhabit. These artists continue to challenge these structures by letting the viewer to experience an alternative world.

EGO: Exploitation, Glorification, Objectification

Zhou B Art Center, June 21, 2013
CURATED BY: SERGIO GOMEZ, ERIN MCCLELLAN ZHOUSHI

ARTIST(S): Tim Arroyo, Maria Lawson, Dayton Castleman, Thomas Michas, Polly Chandler, Geraldine Rodriguez, Thomas Ferrella, Michael Anthony Schmidt, Matt Gubancsik, Kate Shannon, Samantha Isom, Harry Sudman, Ariston Jacks, Ilona Szwarc, Hua Jin, Tom Szydelko, Joseph Kayne, Gary Vittori, Dave Kennedy, Mike White, Tommy Kha, Jiankun Xie, Natalie Krick, and Diane Zeeuw.

“EGO” is a curated exhibition with a focus on the exploitation, glorification and objectification of the individual either by personal choice or as perceived by others. “EGO” will feature a selection of contemporary photographers from across the country.

From Motion to Stillness

Zhou B Art Center, February 15, 2013
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ, DIDI MENENDEZ

ARTIST(S): Paul Beel, Blaine Bradford, Brian Busch, Stephen Cefalo, Javier Chavira, Matthew Cherry, Casey Childs, Reid Compton, Cesar Conde, Rory Coyne, Jennifer Cronin, Steven DaLuz, Richard J. Frost, Jessica Freudenberg, Patrick Earl Hammie, F. Scott Hess, Jason John, Karen Kaapcke, Jennifer Koe, Francien Krieg, Daniel Maidman, Jennifer Moore, Elsa Muñoz, Tim Okamura, Judith Peck, Denis Peterson, Diego Quiros, Geraldine Rodriguez, Elizabeth Szymczak-Scarborough, Victoria Selbach, Ryan Shultz, Harry Sudman, Brian Glenn Truex, and Nick Ward.

POET(S): William Allegrezza, Grace Cavalieri, Duriel E. Harris, Matthew Hittinger, Kathleen Kirk, Diego Quiros, William Stobb, and Emma Trelles.

“From Motion to Stillness” is an exhibition and a publication seeking to explore aspects of stillness, quietness, reflection, meditation, inner-peace, solitude, reflection and calmness as a human experience. Despite living in a fast-paced and rapidly changing world, “From Motion to Stillness” invites the viewer and the reader alike to pause for a moment and experience stillness as interpreted by some of today’s most exciting contemporary artists and poets.

2012

Facemask: 8th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition

Zhou B Art Center, June 15, 2012
Curated by Sergio Gomez

Chicago’s Twelve

Zhou B Art Center, April 20, 2012
Curated by Sergio Gomez

National Wet Paint Exhibition 2012

Zhou B Art Center, January 20, 2012
Curated by Sergio Gomez

2011

CelebrARTE

Zhou B Art Center, October 28, 2011
Curated by Sergio Gomez

ARTIST(S): Saul Aguirre, Rene Arceo, Mario Castillo, Javier Chavira, Joe Compean, Luis De La Torre, Alma Dominguez, Hector Duarte, Sergio Gomez, Mario Gonzalez, Hector Hernandez, Salvador Jimenez, Ernesto Marenco, Antonio Martinez, Oscar Martinez, Dolores Mercado, Elsa Muñoz, Alfonso Piloto Nieves, Pedro Palacios, Marcos Raya, Robin Rios, Alejandro Romero, Paul Sierra, Diana Solis, Martin Soto, and Gabriel Villa.

“CelebrARTE” is a contemporary art exhibition celebrating the Latino spirit, imagination and creative force in Chicago. CelebrARTE highlights various generations of Latino Chicago artists who are leaving their mark in the visual arts. This exhibition is curated by Sergio Gomez for the Zhou B. Art Center in collaboration with 33 Contemporary Gallery and Latino Fashion Week.

PROGRESSION

Zhou B Art Center, August 19, 2011
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

The title “Progression” suggests an act or an instance of moving forward from one thing or unit in a sequence to the next. For the last seven years, the Zhou B Art Center has become a hub to a diverse community of artists whose talent and inspiration have made of the Zhou B Art Center their creative home.​

7th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition

Zhou B Art Center, July 15, 2011
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

Artist(s): Dan Addington, Terry L. Adams, Julie Anand & Damon Sauer, Marisa Andropolis, Tim Arroyo, Roxana Azar, Hector Barron, Christopher Barry, Allison M Belolan, Grace Benedict, Sally Bianca Berkhia, Bill Boyce, Blaine Bradford, Corinna Button, Calaj, Salvador Campos, Maria Carrillo, Lisa Carter, Jennifer Cartolano Moore, Jonathan Casserilla, Javier Chavira, Nannette Cherry, Meagan Clemons, Gregg Coffey, Maribeth Coffey-Sears, Aaron S. Coleman, Julie Cowan, Rory Coyne, Mary Ellen Croteau, Jennifer Cronin, Brian Curtis, Steven DaLuz, Jacqueline Daly, Dana Day, VA. de Pintor, Nick Depeder, Tor Dettwiler, Thomas Dittmeier, Scott Ellegood, Josh Emery, Liana Faletto, Brenda S. Farris, Thomas Ferrella, Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern, Francine Fox, Jessica Freudenberg, Amanda Fulk, Tanya Gadbaw, Phil Gayter, Graehound (Elizabeth Graehling), Peter N. Gray, Laura Grossett, Patrick Earl Hammie, Kate Hampel, James Hart, Charles Heppner, Barbara Hirschfeld, Petronilla Hohenwarter, Tim Hurley, Jane Jacobs, Eve Jensen, Salvador Jiménez Flores, Jason John, Amanda Joseph, Paul Justen, Sarah Kaiser, Jacqueline A. Kelley, Jieun Beth Kim, Duk Ju L. Kim, Cameo Kruse, John LaMacchia, Beatriz E Ledesma, Marsha Lega, Diana Leviton Gondek, Kathleen Lewis, Matthew Logan, Sioban Lombardi, Ernesto Marenco, Laura Marmash, Oscar Luis Martinez, David W. Maxwell, Judith Mayer, Erin McClellan Zhoushi, Diane McGarel, Keelan McMorrow, Erin McNamara, Eddwin Meyers, Joe Milosevich, Susan Mulder, Clare Murray Adams, Amy Neill, Keiko Nemeth, Tina Newberry, Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves Ruiz, Trish Nixon, Benedict Oddi, Ted Ollier, Leasha Overturf, Vladimir Pailodze, Pedro Palacios, Pancho Panoptes, Michael Purdy, Alfred J. Quiroz, Robin Rios, Jaclyn Elizabeth Rivas, Marina Ross, Brigitta Rossetti, Michael Ruback, Michelle Sangster, Jake Saunders, Deirdre Schanen, C. Renee Schinzler, Caitlin Schneider, David Sears, Victoria Senn, John Sevigny, Steve Sherrell, David Simcik, Ursula Sokolowska, Martin Soto, Andrew Souders, Jun-Jun Sta.Ana, Lisa Stefaniak, Jeff Stevenson, Karen Gjelten Stone, Harry Sudman, Camille Swift, Julia Taugner, Ernesto A. Trujillo, Brian Glenn Truex, Garry Vettori, Roy Villalobos, Katherine Villari, Carl Virgo, Melissa Washburn, Jorie Wilkinson, Adrian Wong, Rachel Wright, Christine Wuenschel, Greta Zakrzewska, Jeff R. Zandstra, Marzena Ziejka, Mark Zlotkowski, Jackson Zorn, and Jill Zylke.

In celebration of the 7th anniversary of the National Self-Portrait Exhibition and 33 Contemporary Gallery (formerly known as 33 Collective Gallery), this year’s exhibition will be the largest one to date. 33 Contemporary Gallery in collaboration with the Zhou B. Art Center present the 7th Annual National Self-Portrait Exhibition.

The entire first floor of the Zhou B. Art Center will become a national laboratory for the exploration and visual representation of the “self”. This exhibition will be entirely devoted to different aspects of self-awareness, individual perception and identity. It will include works ranging from representational, non-representational and conceptual ideas of the self. It will feature works in a variety of media.

Katherine Perryman + Sijia Chen

Zhou B Art Center, June 17, 2011
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTISTS: Katherine Perryman, Sijia Chen

Sitting between painting and sculpture, these works operate as a series of cultivations stemming from an internal and external environment. My work is often derivative of a context, where the physical and visceral characteristics of a place manifest themselves through designed arrangements coupled with the residue of making.The material, gesture, and color, on-and-off the wall are composed and integral to the content of my work. Each element alludes to a psychological tension that exists between domesticity and identity. Through abstraction, I incorporate soft and hard forms directly and with economy. A pour, rip, or twist, is silenced or elevated through the repetitive layering of cast-off pigments and materials.

— Katherine Perryman

My current works are highly related to the image of the city, which I have spend all my life in. I was born and raised in a Shantou, Guangdong, after my junior high school I moved to Guangzhou for my further education. For me, city is about palimpsest, in which everything is on top of each other. When we are walking in a city, especially a big city, we don’t have a chance to see a whole image of one thing, like a building, even when it’s right next to us, there’s always something in front of it, no sight of the horizontal line.

Developments such as Google maps, GPS, and iPhones help us to find our ways in cities, they give us more access to information, but we are often still confused or lose our way. My work depicts my impression of the busy but lively cities I have inhabited. The paintings are influenced by the technology I use in navigating the city I currently live in, Philadelphia. The paintings express the complicated feeling I have about cities.

— Sijia Chen

The Zhou B. Art Center invites you to attend the opening of a two person exhibition by Katherine Perryman and Sijia Chen. Both artists were selected from the National Wet Paint Exhibition 2011.

National Wet Paint Exhibition 2011

Zhou B Art Center, January 21, 2011
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTIST(S): Adam Bock, Adrian Cox, Amanda Wallace, Anna K. Lemnitzer, Benjamin Grant, Brandon Dean, Clare Rosean, Corey N. Crum, C. Matthew Luther, David Knobel, David Maddy, Ernesto A. Trujillo, E. Thurston Belmer, Hatidza Mulic, Ian Reynold, InJung Oh, Jackson Zorn, Jake Johnson, Jake Wells, Jason Seeley, Jave Yoshimoto, Jen Keshka, Jieun Beth Kim, Jim Graham, Kang Joo Lee, Kate Perryman, LaToya M. Hobbs, Lauren Whearty, Linda King Ferguson, Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern, Maria Lux, Mary Beth Koszut, Michael Pfleghaar, Lisa Caplan, Nannette Cherry, Philmore Peterson V, Rachel Wolfson, Rebecca G. Weed, Sean Smith, Sijia Chen, Sioban Lombardi, Steven Vinson, Suqin Lin, Tanya Gadbaw, and Timothy Kranz.

The National Wet Paint Exhibition is an outlook and an overview of emerging contemporary artists across the United States currently working in the medium of painting. Wet Paint refers to the idea that this is a fresh group of artists. They are MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) candidates and recent MFA recipients working primarily in the medium of painting.

Under the watchful eye of a technology driven society, online social networking and cyber interaction communities, emerging artists have been evolving and redefining one of the oldest mediums of art, painting.

2010

National Wet Paint Exhibition 2010

Zhou B Art Center, January 15, 2010
CURATED BY SERGIO GOMEZ

ARTISTS: Jon Barwick, Jolene Beckman, Colleen Beyer, Blaine Bradford, Erica Buss, Victoria H. Chang, Nannette Cherry, Woojin Choi, Tony Conrad, Kim Deakins, Emile Ferris, Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern, Maureen Forman, Francine Fox, Laura Grossett, Jaime Gustavson, Garry Holstein, Michael Hubbard, Andrea Jensen, Jason John, Jake Johnson, Maria Jonsson, Michael Kalmbach, Saydi Indianos Kaufman, Geoffrey Krawczyk, Matthew Lahm, Megan Leong, Suqin (Jackie) Lin, C. Matthew Luther, Michael McCaffrey, Kyle McKenzie, Susan Mulder, Nicole Northway, Benedict Oddi, Injung Oh, J. Thomas Pallas, Katherine Perryman, Rebecca Potts, Shawn Saumell, Leah Schreiber,Elise Schweitzer, Ryan Shultz, Garric Simonsen, Ernesto A. Trujillo, Chris Ulrich, Ben Utigard, Anthony Vega, Amanda Voltz, Robin Walker, Amanda Wallace, Michael Wartgow, Sanders Watson.

2010 marks the first decade of the 21st Century. Under the watchfull eye of a technology driven society, online social networking and cyber interaction communities, a group of young artists have been evolving and redefining one of the oldest mediums of art. The National Wet Paint Exhibition will be an outlook and an overview of promising artists across the United States currently working in the medium of painting. Wet Paint refers to the idea that this is a fresh group of artists (MFA candidates/graduates) working in painting media.

Wet Paint will pose the following questions: How is the next generation of artists redefining one of the oldest art mediums? How are new technologies impacting their painting materials, methods, techniques, processes and ideas? How are graduate programs in America reshaping painting? What does painting mean to a new generation? Wet Paint will highlight and give a forum to a new generation of artists working from traditional to experimental painting mediums.