'Motherwell, Melanesia, & Monsters': A Fascinating Exhibit at the Wadsworth Family Gallery
Published: August 26, 2024.
The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery at Lewis University is presenting "Motherwell, Melanesia, & Monsters: From the Private Collection of Mike Sobczyk," an eclectic and captivating exhibit showcasing works collected over several decades. The exhibit will be on view through September 20, with a free reception and gallery talk scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on September 5 in Romeoville.
The unique exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the private collection of Mike Sobczyk, a 1970 graduate of Lewis College (now Lewis University). Sobczyk’s collection is a testament to his lifelong passion for ethnographic art, particularly from New Guinea, and contemporary works inspired by his early exposure to the Field Museum in Chicago.
Sobczyk’s journey into the world of art began at a young age, with frequent visits to the Field Museum sparking his interest in ethnographic pieces from Melanesia. This fascination deepened when an architect friend introduced him to several Chicago art galleries, opening the door to a broader appreciation of contemporary art. Over the years, Sobczyk amassed a diverse and intriguing collection, ranging from Melanesian artifacts to works by renowned contemporary artists like Robert Motherwell.
The exhibit will feature a rich variety of pieces that highlight the intersections between traditional Melanesian art, the abstract expressionism of Motherwell, and Sobczyk’s unique eye for the unusual and the evocative.
The Department of Art and Design manages the Wadsworth Family Gallery events, which include Lewis University student shows, local and regional artist shows, annual high school exhibits, faculty shows, academic-based exhibitions, and cultural and religious-based art shows. For more information about the Art Gallery and exhibits, contact Natalie Swain, Art Gallery coordinator, at swainna@lewisu.edu.
Lewis University is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
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