North Central exhibit creates 'powerful' combo of words, images
Narrative artwork by Robert Bean will be featured in the exhibit “Storylines: From Past to Present” at North Central College in Naperville.
The free public exhibit opens Friday, Sept. 23, in the college's Schoenherr Gallery at the Wentz Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., and continues through Oct. 30.
Growing up, Bean could count on two things: the hot and humid summers of Little Rock, Ark., and the pulpy pages of his comic books. Inspired by the format of the latter, Bean expanded on his passions for visual images and storytelling at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Bean honed this style, pulling together anecdotes and snapshots from the mysteries of the people and streets surrounding him.
When it comes to his artwork, Bean says, “I believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of images. I believe that the two, when combined, can create an experience that is more powerful than either can create on its own.
“By using the title of the artwork as an ‘opening line,' I strive to pull the viewer into the narrative being created within the image. I look to the image as a starting point, leaving enough ambiguity within the work for the viewer to be able to let their imagination finish the story.”
Bean's interactive form of art viewing has traveled across the nation, with stops at the Jasper Arts Center in Indiana and the Yeiser Art Center in Kentucky. He currently resides in Little Rock with his wife, Maria, and their three-legged turtle, Peggy.
Schoenherr Gallery's hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and one hour before most performances in the fine arts center. Contact Nickole C. Lanham, North Central's gallery director, at (630) 637-5375 or nclanhammurray@noctrl.edu to learn more about the exhibit.
If you go
What: “Storylines: From Past to Present” art exhibit featuring work by Robert Bean
When: Friday, Sept. 23, to Sunday, Oct. 30
Where: North Central College's Schoenherr Gallery at the Wentz Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
Cost: Free
Info: (630) 637-5375 or nclanhammurray@noctrl.edu