Gallery to host Chicago artist

The 2016-2017 Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery featured artist schedule resumes Thursday, November 10, from 3:30-5 p.m. with a reception for Chicago artist Josué Pellot. His “Double Bluff” exhibit will remain on display at Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery through Friday, December 16.

“The idea of identity authenticity is something I think we can all relate to,” said Laura Colby, UIU assistant professor of art and Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery director. “I had the opportunity to hear Josué speak at Northern Illinois University a few years ago and later visit with him in his studio. His ability to use a combination of art and humor to make people think about where they came from and where they belong is refreshing. Josué starts a conversation with his work and stimulates a dialog that enriches a connection we all have, but may or may not recognize.”

A native of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Pellot received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. A conceptual artist who engages social critique, politics and humor, he works in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and video.

“My practice works around the idea of personal narrative navigated through the shaping of identity authenticity,” said Pellot. “I address through a formal presentation of the personal is political, and the idea that all signs are signs of the time. I work with a broad range of mediums, but not limited to painting, sculpture, social practice and installation. The use of humor is a key component to my work and helps to initiate a dialogue that would normally come off as ponderous or unapproachable.”

Pellot’s artwork has been featured in a number of solo exhibitions, including: Universidad Catolica De Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico; Museo de Arte de Caguas, Caguas, Puerto Rico; and Chicago Cultural Center and Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago. In addition, his work has been included in group exhibitions at Museo de Arte Contemporaneo, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Contemporary Art Society, London; and Vane Contemporary, Newcastle, England.

Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is located in Edgar Fine Arts Hall at Upper Iowa University’s Fayette Campus. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.