Identity and Relationship

  • Kristy Hendrix
  • Jul 24, 2008

Art in the suburbs? We surely don't see much of it among the strip malls and cul-de-sacs. And when we do, it's often a mere landscape or still life purchased with the intent to rest subtly over a mantel or loveseat. We can flip through a small selection of prints at any Michael's or Ikea in search of brilliant colors and textures and lovely scenes that might compliment the colors scheme of a room or offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for a guest. But does art exist for mere decoration?

Of course not. Every human being is called to create, but few have chosen to nurture this call and liberate their imaginations to flourish far beyond conventional boundaries. There are artists who have explored their mediums, pushed ideas to extremes, reflected the often brutal nature of humanity, questioned status quo, or commented on a beauty ignored or long forgotten. But art that travels afar, past comfortable boundaries, has become foreign to suburbia. It is a language that few here can comprehend, or, if noticed, even desire to comprehend. More often, art is considered irrelevant or obscure and frightening. There is undoubtedly a place for pretty pictures and decoration, but can we allow this limited idea of art to pervade our suburban culture? Can we afford to alienate ourselves from an aspect of humanity that offers such insight essential to growth and well-being?

And yet we already have. For art that requires something more of its viewer has migrated to safer climates amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. There, artists find comfort in an audience that values artwork which may comment, ask, and seek in ways that are new and unusual. In such an environment, art is not to be overlooked or regarded as ornamentation; rather, it acts as a medium or language through which the artist engages a conversation.

The Missio Dei Gallery, 11041 Front St., Mokena, is a place in the suburbs where artists can do just that. In our current show, which is our third since we've opened in April, we have invited students and alumni from Trinity Christian College to display their work. Through photography and painting, they have chosen to comment on the nature of identity and relationships in the context of today's culture. On opening night, Friday, August 1st, 2008, at 7:30pm, we invite you to join this conversation or just sit back and listen and learn a bit about the language of art. If you are unable to attend the opening, the gallery hours are 9:30am - 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday. Stop by any time and visit, or make an appointment with the Kristy Hendrix, the art director, if interested in displaying work in our gallery. Contact info: 847.507.5715 or