OFF BALANCE-BALANCE

OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013 7PM - 10M

The Midwest Collage Society exhibit “Off Balance-Balance” explores the concept of balance and imbalance from both an individual and universal perspective.  Collage and mixed media artists examine the origins of imbalance, its effect on themselves, society, and its remedy.

Balance is defined in the dictionary as a state of equilibrium, equal distribution, emotional stability, habit of calm behavior and judgment, a harmonious whole.

Often it is the creative act itself which grounds the artist and restores balance.

The year 2013 begins a new century of collage.  Pioneers like Picasso and Braque paved the way when they used collage in their work, and it continues to evolve as a fine art medium as contemporary artists use the wealth of new materials and tools available.

The Midwest Collage Society is celebrating ten years as a group, and exists to promote collage as a fine art.  MCS has more than sixty artist members from the Chicago land area as well as northwest Indiana who exhibit both locally and nationally.  Artists’ styles are as varied as their backgrounds, from traditional collage using solely paper, to mixed media and assemblage. Papers are recycled, handmade, painted and altered. Fibers, metal, photographs, image transfers and found objects are also incorporated. Varieties of paint are used. Collages are assembled with acrylic mediums, wax, thread, wire and more. There are no rules and no limitations.