Reflection: Selections From the Permanent Collection

Reflection: Selections From the Permanent Collection

The noun reflection, like many words, has more than one meaning. Reflection, as defined by the Miriam Webster Dictionary, can mean: “a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation”, or alternately “the production of an image by or as if by a mirror.” Reflection on the past is a powerful way to influence one’s concept of the present, as viewing one’s reflection is a powerful tool for self-understanding. This exhibition is a reflection in both senses of the word. It is a reflection on the works of past members of our educational and art community: students, staff, faculty, and exhibiting artists. It is also a reflection as though by a mirror. Current members of our community have the opportunity to see themselves through these works of art. Art can be a reflection of society and culture, it can help us understand what was, what is, and what can be.

The works in this exhibition were all selected from the Harold Washington College Permanent Collection. The collection itself contains almost 1,000 works of art produced over at least the past 40 years, though for many works in the collection, including many of the works in this show, the artist and dates of production are unknown. Prior to the work of the past two years, the last available documentation of the collection is from circa 2008, though even that information left a great deal about many of the artworks unknown. Reflecting upon this highlights the need for investigation into our collection, to allow us to fully acknowledge and celebrate these artists and their artistic production. Many of these works have been languishing in storage and may not have been seen by our community in a decade or more. Many more have been installed around the college for an unknown number of years. Now we have the opportunity to see these images again, together and re-contextualized. Now we may reflect upon them and they may, in turn, reflect upon us.

Reflection: Selections From the Permanent Collection will be on display on the 11th floor in the President’s Gallery from April 19th 2023 to August 9th 2023.

- Stephanie Burke, HWC Curator