Visions of the city

Artist Zaki Knapen of Glen Ellyn started painting at the age of 6, inspired by his grandfather, August Kreps, an expert painter of oils.

Now Knapen's life is devoted to art, sharing the cultural and educational aspects of his field, and working to boost the artistic element in the community.

"I see art everywhere," Knapen said. "You have to open your eyes. Everyone knows what a shadow is, but to paint it, that's another thing."

By age 12, Knapen had his first painting appear in the Antwerp Polder museum in Belgium, where he grew up, and that led to his life's pursuit. His works, which include sculptures and paintings in a variety of mediums, are sold and showcased all over the globe, in places like Morocco, Venezuela, Spain, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, along with U.S. cities. He has lived in Glen Ellyn for the past seven years.

Some of his work will be part of "The Artist Project" April 25-28 at the Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago.

The exhibition will feature the original art and works of 300 selected artists and is one of the elements of Artropolis, a special Chicago celebration of art, antiques and culture.

On display will be some abstracts that Knapen has named his "Chicago Series," adding his description of the style.

"There is a sense of evolution, a splatter, a drip, a flowing," Knapen said. "Chicago was my inspiration."

The acrylics are abstract, but some subject matter in each piece is discernable. For example, in the painting, "Cloud Gate," the Millennium Park sculpture is easy to pick out. But in most of the works, Knapen wants the viewer to determine what he is seeing.

"I leave it up to the viewer to make a final interpretation of the work," Knapen said. "Looking at the painting is art as well."

Some of his other pieces in the Chicago series have the descriptive titles of "Spring in Chicago," "Summer in Chicago," "Winter in Chicago," "Cosmopolitan," "Oh," "Why," "Hey-Yo," "Plasmania," "Rupture" and "Rendezvous."

Although participating in the Artist Project is an honor, Knapen's work has been exhibited at many shows and events. His acrylic, "Man's first Step," was one of only 68 chosen for a recent exhibit in Oregon featuring selected artists from around the world.

Knapen seeks to raise the artistic element in the community to a new level, which is why he has taken on the responsibility of art director of the Naperville Art League.

He also is affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago, Elmhurst Art Guild, Chicago Artist Coalition and Planet Collage.

Knapen is excited about the Best of the Best Show, featuring award-winning art by each of the Alliance of Fine Art guilds.

The exhibit is being displayed through May 18 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook. Each league was able to bring in a certain number of artists, but they had to have won a Best of Show or Best Theme award within the last two years.

Knapen is also looking forward to the AFA's juried fine art fair, which is planned for July 26-27 at the Mayslake Peabody Estate.

The event features artwork, music and demonstrations. There already are 54 artists signed on, and a high-end automaker will be a major sponsor. To inquire about the events at Mayslake or other events, visit www.allianceoffineart.com.

Knapen said he wishes for more focus on art education in the schools, and loves when he has opportunities to work with children. He tells them, "Everything you touch, it's art. A table, a chair -- an artist had to come up with that design."

His goal is to inject more art and art appreciation into the community.

"We have talented artists in our own back yard," he said.

For more information about Zaki Knapen or his art, visit his Web site at www.artzaki.com.