Art -- and awareness at Arlington Heights exhibit

Surrounded by paintings of flowers and scenic landscapes, Fred DeAsis stood next to his exhibit which depicted a much darker topic on Tuesday night.

DeAsis' piece, entitled "Innocence," shows the back of a young person who is curled up next to a wall or couch. It's unclear if painting's subject is male or female. It's also unclear if the person is a child or young adult.

What is clear is that the person is afraid of something and has red marks on his or her back. The work is supposed to describe the pain and isolation of child and spousal abuse, DeAsis said.

It's part of the sixth annual Arlington Artists on Display exhibit at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum. In total, there are about 60 other pieces of art included in the exhibit. The exhibit will be on display until January.

"Innocence" is one of the darkest and largest pieces in the exhibit. It's an acrylic on hardboard painting that is about 3-feet-by-4-feet in size.

So far, the museum and Village President Arlene Mulder have received one e-mail from an Arlington Heights resident who says "Innocence" is too graphic and upsetting for a public art exhibit.

DeAsis said he disagrees. He said artists have a responsibility to bring social issues to the public's attention.

"It's not all happy faces," DeAsis said. "I want this to start people thinking. We have a responsibility."

The museum stands by DeAsis' work, said Mickey Horndasch, the museum's curator.

"Fred tells a statement on child abuse," she said. "I did receive an e-mail from a concerned resident. She has the right to free speech, just like the artists do."

It took about two months for DeAsis to complete "Innocence" and he has no plans to sell it.

"I'd like to see it travel around to different places so people can see it," said DeAsis who has also done anti-war pieces. "It should stay in the public."

DeAsis was born in Manila, Philippines, and studied fine arts in Asia and Europe. Today, he has art studios in Arlington Heights, Chicago and New York and is writing a book on ancient Asian arts.

He has lived in Arlington Heights for about 10 years and is a member of the Arlington Heights Arts Commission.