Chicago artist exhibits work in Villa Park
"Mirror of Humanity: Reflections on a Blending of Memories," featuring paintings and pastels by Chicago artist Didier Nolet, will be on display Friday, Nov. 11, through Jan. 7 at the Park Art Center, 9 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park.
The opening reception will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 11. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. All events are free.
Nolet, educated at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, has received many honors and has exhibited his work in one-man shows in area institutions, including the Merchandise Mart, Navy Pier in Chicago, the University Club of Chicago and the Union League Club of Chicago.
In addition, his work has been included in group shows throughout the country, specifically at the New Material Art Fair in Miami Beach, Florida; the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, New York; and The Armory in New York, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts in Pau, France.
Originally inspired by childhood memories, Nolet's paintings became more a transcription of his inner personal feelings, state of mind and moods. The landscapes can go from serene to stormy, depending on what was happening in his life at the time.
"My landscapes are dreamlike and put together like stage sets," he said. "They are images straight out of my mind; imaginary landscapes and seascapes that transcribe the different states of my life and personality."
More recently, Nolet has started a new series of paintings using different techniques that reflect an evolution toward a looser and more energetic way of applying paint, as well as using objects such as skulls and creating and painting canvasses in different shapes.
"We are so honored to have the opportunity to exhibit Didier Nolet's work. His thoughts and dreams of landscapes are brilliantly executed and succeed in drawing the viewer intimately into his art," exhibition coordinator Wendee Goles said.
"We get to enjoy a marvelous journey into his careful thought process. He applies a modern sensibility to the time-honored landscape tradition."
For information on the exhibit or Park Art Center, call (630) 501-1455 or visit parkartcenter.org.
If you go
What: "Mirror of Humanity: Reflections on a Blending of Memories," paintings by Didier Nolet
When: Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; exhibit runs through Jan. 7
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Where: Park Art Center, 9 E. Park Blvd., Villa Park
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 501-1455 or parkartcenter.org