Work of renowned Glen Ellyn artist on display
Open mind, endless possibilities.
It's a motto Glen Ellyn artist Zaki Knapen lives by, both personally and professionally.
A "dynamic force in the art world," as one colleague calls him, Knapen, 56, is known for his world travels and ever-changing style. His works, which range from sculpture to mixed media, are showcased around the world from Morocco to New York.
But the focus of his next exhibit is a locale closer to home - it will showcase the work he has done since moving to the Chicago area eight years ago.
The display, titled "Personal Impact: What it takes to make a difference - Eight years of artistic work in America," will be open for viewing from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mars Gallery, 1139 W. Fulton Market in Chicago. The one-night gallery reception and sale is sponsored by the Chicago Art Exposure.
For nearly a decade, the award-winning contemporary artist has lived in Glen Ellyn, teaching art in Naperville and Batavia. Knapen has his own studio at home and serves as the director of fine arts for the Naperville Art League and the executive director of the western suburban Alliance of Fine Art. His showcased art will include works done on paper, wood and canvas, and sculptures in cast iron, bronze and resin, among others.
Knapen chose to settle close to Chicago partly because of its vibrant architecture and cultural heart. "It's an art-loving city," he said.
"Personal Impact" will showcase only several of the mediums Knapen has worked in. He also enjoys working with ceramics, acrylic, 2-D mixed media and more. Experimentation is the "basis of life," he said
"He's always growing and developing his own identity," said Debbie Venezia, executive director of the Naperville Art League.
After finding inspiration, Knapen can design from a concept or idea quickly. "He has a vividly vibrant sense of imagination," Venezia said.
That has been fueled, in part, by his many world adventures.
Knapen was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and has lived in seven countries, including England, Holland and France, as well as in the Caribbean islands. Aside from art, he has worked in the bar and restaurant business and produced customized stage shows for vacation resorts. In the late 1980s, he lived on a boat and sailed around the world. Currently, he is writing an art book.
That wide range of experience has helped open his mind and bring a new perspective to his art.
"Each place brings a new tendency, spark and influence," he said. "That's what I think is challenging."
Morocco, for instance, surprised him with a more liberated artistic style than he'd previously imagined. He also has found inspiration in the "breakthrough" style of Spain, the home of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Knapen's art evolves, depending on where he is at, at the time, said Laurie Lindsey Benninghoff, director of Chicago Art Exposure. "He sees many different styles."
His experimental attitude is apparent upon first meeting Knapen, who sports multicolored hair - currently purple, brown and bleached blonde - and distinctive clothes - often dyed jeans or embellished pants. "I stand out in a crowd," he said. "Once you see me, you don't forget me."
His ever-changing style keeps friends guessing - and that's how he wants it. "I like to keep people talking," he said.
Yet, he hasn't forgotten his roots. Many of his more traditional art pieces were done in honor of his home country.
"That is a story you cannot put behind," he said of his childhood. In fact, the Chicago exhibit is being presented by the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Belgium in Chicago and EuroChicago, as a way to simultaneously promote the cultures of Belgium and Europe.
Though Glen Ellyn is currently home, it is not Knapen's final destination. In fact, he'll resume traveling across America for art shows later this year.
Still on his life to-do list? Visiting China and Australia, riding in a hot-air balloon, jumping out of a plane - and possibly settling down in California.
"I have to try new things to keep life interesting," he said.