Sonnenzimmer, the art and design studio of Nick Butcher and Nadine Nakanishi, opened its doors in February of 2007, producing silkscreened posters on commission, art print reproductions, and CD packaging and other graphic design projects, as well as our own artwork. But from the beginning we believed the studio should be an outlet for more than our own work. Frustrated with the politics of both government arts funding and the gallery scene, we envision Sonnenzimmer as a space that can foster a self-sufficient community of artists free of institutional support and the strings that often accompany it - a space by artists and for artists. To that end this winter we're launching the Sonnenzimmer Art Print Series, an open-ended collaborative experiment showcasing limited-edition prints printed by Nick Butcher in conjunction with individual artists.
The first series features work by multimedia artist Chris Kerr, New York-based painter Carrie Pollack, and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist Anders Nilsen. Proceeds from the sales of each edition of 75 signed and numbered prints will be shared equally between the artist and Sonnenzimmer. The dimensions of each six-color print are uniform (22"x 30") and all are printed on archival quality paper. All rights to each image remain with the artist.
Kerr and Nilsen will be in attendance at the February 23 release party at Sonnenzimmer. Prints will be available for a special release price of $175 each, or all three for $500; after the opening the price goes up to $200 per print; $600 for three. Other work by all three artists will also be on display (all sales go to the artists), and local band oRSo will play.
Caption for print: Disaster At Sea by Chris Kerr, 6 color screen print, hand-pulled, 22"x 30", 2007. Please click and download for press usage. Note that all rights for reproduction of image belongs to the artist Chris Kerr, please credit accordingly. Only to be used in this context of event.
Print release party details
Where: Sonnenzimmer, 3605 N. Damen, rear store (enter through alley; el stop is Addison, on the Brown Line). When: Saturday, February 23, from 7-11 PM, 2008 Music: oRSo plays special set around 9.30 PM (Lineup is: Phil Spirito, Guitar | Libby Reed, Piano | Jim Elkington, Guitar | Nick Macri, Bass | Dylan Ryan, Drums) Fee: Free, but donations accepted for the band) Info: 773-248-9610 or www.sonnenzimmer.com
One minute, one mic for Chris: I work intuitively and challenge myself by creating formal and linguistic "problems" that I continue to solve through my work. My goal is to work in such a way that I am a little "out of my element" with the materials and subject matter I use. It is important for me to allow random occurrences to happen in my work rather than having an unwavering plan for a piece. I approach my work with a loose concept in mind; but ultimately the initial idea coupled with the particular media I?m using often take the piece in a completely different direction. I use disparate subject matter and prefer to leave it to chance as to how it will relate to the painting techniques I incorporate. Craft and technique are important issues for any contemporary artist. Sometimes "low craft" or muddled techniques can lead to a much greater sympathy and understanding of the subject matter. I enjoy mixing time periods, elements of urban and wilderness environments, social-political taboos, street drug references, religious themes and gender reversals.
Art above will be shown at the release party. Caption for art from left to right: Let's Get This Party Started, 2007, 3-color screen print, 9.5" x 12.5";
Welcome Home Sinner, 2007 6-color screen print on cover weight French paper, edition of 26, 12.5" x 9.5"
Please click and download for press usage. Note that all rights for reproduction of the two images above belong to the artist Chris Kerr, please credit accordingly. Only to be used in this context of event.
One minute, one mic for Anders: Anders Nilsen was born in Northern New Hampshire in 1973, and grew up there and in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a BFA from the University of New Mexico with a focus on painting and installation work and did a year of graduate study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, before dropping out to do comics full time. He is the author and artist of Big Questions, Dogs and Water, and Monologues for the Coming Plague, among other titles. His work has been translated into several languages and has been featured in Kramer?s Ergot, The Best American Comics, Best American Non-Required Reading, The Utne Reader, Mome and elsewhere. He currently lives and works in Chicago.
Art above will be shown above at the release party. Caption for art from left to right to follow.
Please click and download for press usage. Note that all rights for reproduction of the two images above belong to the artist Anders Nilsen, please credit accordingly. Only to be used in this context of event.
How to get to Sonnenzimmer
Sonnenzimmer is located in Roscoe Village and easily accessible by public transportation. We are located two blocks west of the Addison Brown Line Stop. We are also right by the Damen/Addison intersection (2nd house on the North/East corner). For a map, please click here.
