4/14: NEWPORT ROOM // new works by PAUL ERSCHEN @ THE HILLS ESTHETIC CENTER

NEWPORT ROOM
new work by PAUL ERSCHEN
April 14- 28, 2012

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 6-10PM
Open Hours: by appointment

THE HILLS ESTHETIC CENTER
128 N Campbell Street, Chicago 60612

Sparked by an ongoing habit of collecting discarded cigarette packs, NEWPORT ROOM, presents a stubbornly incomplete taxonomy of anonymity, suspicion, and excess. Including an installation of screen prints, several hundred archived menthol cigarette packs, and a grouping of cast-object assemblages, "Newport Room" reveals Erschen's preoccupation with the ambiguities of trash and the folly of urban legends.

Studio View: Marlboro and The KKK, Screen print and acrylic on canvas, 40" x 34", 2012

PAUL ERSCHEN is an artist and musician who lives and works in Chicago. Erschen's recent studio practice involves sculpture, printmaking, mold-making/casting, and archiving. Recent exhibitions include: "West Plaza" at Document Gallery, "Group Hug" at Co-Proseperity Sphere, and "Recipes for Mold And Sun", a collaboration with Rachel Ettling, at Roxaboxen.

More information about Paul Erschen can be found at www.paulerschen.com

The Hills Esthetic Center is both a conventional and organic exhibition space located within a complex of artist’s studios and audio recording facilities on Chicago’s west side. Focusing on emerging artists and local arts initiatives, the space aims to promote a breadth of cultural production and invention in the service of independent artistic expression. We value a relaxed artist-controlled environment with the potential for the interaction of critical and social dialogues.

More information about The Hills Esthetic Center can be found at thehillsestheticcenter.com