The Conservation CenterSeptember 2014 Newsletter: The EXPO CHICAGO/2014 Double Issue!

 

The Conservation Center Conserving Art Coast to Coast  September 2014 Newsletter We're kicking off an exciting start to the fall season at The Conservation Center. This month, EXPO CHICAGO --the largest international modern and contemporary art fair in the Midwest--will once again take place at Chicago's historic Navy Pier. For the third year in a row, The Center is serving as the fair's official conservation and custom framing provider. This month's newsletter, unofficially titled The EXPO Issue, showcases several exceptional, meticulously treated pieces on view in our newly branded Pop-Up Conservation Lab at the fair. We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our clients for these special loans. If you're perusing EXPO this weekend, we welcome you to drop by our pop-up (Booth 113) and say hello! These highlighted pieces (and more) are on display at The Conservation Center's Pop-Up Lab @ EXPO CHICAGO/2014 (Booth 113), from September 18-21.     Girl with a Spray Can, Roy Lichtenstein, 1963 Girl with a Spray Can, first printed in Wallace Ting's book 1¢ Life, was often viewed as a compact visual manifesto of the sixties. Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein's color lithographs were printed on pages 118-119. This piece offers a unique juxtaposition. The right panel of the diptych consists of a reference to the simple printing process of using Ben-day dots (which dates back to 1879). The left side of the diptych consists of a small segment of a comic-strip imagery for which Lichtenstein became quite famous.  How we treated this Lichtenstein classic > Charles Cressent Boulle Clock Charles Cressent (1685-1768) was a descendant of a family of furniture makers and talented sculptors. As a pupil of André Charles Boulle (1642-1732)--the French cabinetmaker who is generally considered to be the preeminent artist in the field of marquetry--Cressent's work is characteristic of the Rococo period with adornments of feminine figures and motifs, floral Arabesques, and exotic animals. To combine the gilt-bronze elements of his unique style and to ensure the quality of his mounts, Cressent broke the rules of the French guild system and was prosecuted for practicing two professions in the same workshop: cabinetmaking and gilding. Ça alors! Restoring the clock to its majesty >     A 19th Century Gateleg Table This gateleg (folding) table is likely British or American due to the use of walnut and box wood inlay. Stylistically, it is a 19th copy of an original produced in the late 17th century. It references a simple, utilitarian style, but the flair in the marquetry nods to a later William and Mary motif. The table came to The Conservation Center with loose veneer, and missing areas in the turned legs. In addition, the previous treatment relied on heavily pigmented polish to disguise the poor quality repairs-which masked the decorative effect of the inlay and the burr walnut veneer. Bringing out the best of this little table > Jazz Singers, Archibald J. Motley Jr., 1934 Archibald J. Motley was an African American painter who is considered a major contributor to the Harlem Renaissance and New Negro Movements. These movements focused on the cultural shifts that took place after the abolition of slavery, resulting in an overt racial pride that promoted intellect and the production of literature, art and music. These new endorsements of the African American culture were to combat the pervading racism and stereotypes of the time. Jazz Singers was first treated at The Conservation Center in 2008, and came back again this year for additional care. Two times the charm > Video Break: Setting up a "Pop-Up Conservation Lab" at EXPO CHICAGO As EXPO CHICAGO ushers more than 130 galleries from around the world into Festival Hall at Navy Pier this week, The Conservation Center was busy setting up our own Pop-Up Conservation Lab at the fair--preparing to help with any damage to artworks related to transportation and handling. Our temporary, on-site workshop not only allows conservators to provide immediate aid to affected pieces, but also includes an educational component, showcasing art that we have recently treated. In addition to the four pieces featured in this newsletter, we're thrilled to welcome back the Lincoln "Courting Couch" and the Lilias Trotter journals, both on display at our booth.  Video break! > More News from The Conservation Center Save the Dates:  Chicago Ideas Week Lab and Open House Chicago The Conservation Center will open up its doors to the public and participate in two major events coming up in October:   October 17, 10:30am-12:00pm Chicago Ideas Week Labs Chicago Ideas Week brings together hundreds of the world's brightest thought leaders to inspire, connect, and activate the city of Chicago and beyond. CIW's Labs provide unique opportunities to explore what happens behind-the-scenes at Chicago's most innovative organizations and businesses. Join us for a "Conservation Conversation." October 18, 10:00am-4:00pm October 19, 10:00am-3:00pm Open House Chicago The Chicago Architecture Foundation's Open House Chicago is a free public festival that offers exclusive access to 150 buildings across Chicago. Explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods--all for free. Never been to West Town? Here are nine reasons to visit (and we're included)! Heather Becker Debuts New Painting Series at EXPO CHICAGO/2014 with Zolla/Lieberman Gallery Heather Becker is pleased to debut her new series of paintings at EXPO CHICAGO/2014. The four intimately scaled, oil on canvas works signify a fresh direction in terms of visual inspiration. "For my new paintings, I wanted to experiment with a whole new color palette," said Heather. The four figures, titled Crest, Citta, Ishvara, and Vicara respectively, depict strong, female figures.  "They are imaginary figures expressing various states of mind," said Heather. "The focus is usually held in the eyes, as you move throughout the narrative of the dream composition." Heather Becker is represented by Zolla/Lieberman Gallery. You're invited to view Heather's new works at the Zolla/Lieberman booth at EXPO CHICAGO/2014, Booth 600. Follow The Conservation Center on Instagram!  @theconservationcenter Watch videos about The Conservation Center on our Vimeo channel! Forward this email Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.

The Conservation Center | 400 North Wolcott Avenue | Chicago | IL | 60622

Oliver Stone, Taylor Hackford, Michael Moore and Many Others to Attend 50th Chicago Intl. Film Festival (Chicago)

 

THE CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF GREAT CINEMA WITH REVIVALS AND SPECIAL APPEARANCES Oliver Stone, Michael Moore and Taylor Hackford to Present Festival Favorites   The 50th Chicago International Film Festival will celebrate its semi-centennial with special presentations of past Festival winners, audience favorites and cinema classics. More than 20 films have been selected as part of this unique retrospective, including 1971 Silver Hugo winner “Family Life,” Lars von Trier’s Academy Award® nominated ”Breaking the Waves,” ”Roger and Me,” and three films which received their World Premiere at past Festivals: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), “The Idolmaker” (1980) and “White Nights” (1985). Several longtime Festival friends will present special editions of their favorite films, including director, writer and producer Oliver Stone, director and producer Taylor Hackford, and documentarian Michael Moore. The 50th Chicago International Film Festival will take place October 9 – 23 at the AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.). On Saturday, October 11, acclaimed director and producer Taylor Hackford will be the first returning Festival favorite to present his lively debut feature, “The Idolmaker” (1980),” at 2:15 p.m., followed by the Cold War dance drama “White Nights” (1985), starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines at 5 p.m. That same evening at 7:15 p.m., acclaimed Polish filmmaker Krzysztof  Zanussi will present “Family Life,” winner of the 1971 Silver Hugo Award. The following afternoon, Sunday, October 12 at 2 p.m., Zanussi returns to present the U.S. Premiere of his most recent film, “Foreign Body.” Oliver Stone, winner of the Festival’s 1992 Director of the Decade award, will present a double bill of his bold and controversial style of filmmaking, Sunday, October 12, beginning with the 25th anniversary Director’s Cut of “Natural Born Killers” at 4 p.m. and “Alexander: The Ultimate Cut” on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. Michael Moore will present the 25th anniversary restored edition of his groundbreaking documentary, “Roger and Me,” originally presented at the Festival’s 25th anniversary celebration in 1989. Longtime Festival friend, film historian, Charlie Chaplin expert and director of the Pordenone Silent Film Festival, David Robinson, will explore the origins of Chaplin’s renowned “Tramp” costume 100 years ago in a special program that will include a screening of Kid’s Auto Races at Venice” and the short “The Immigrant” on Thursday, October 16 at 6 p.m. Another friend of the Festival, film historian and George Cukor/Alfred Hitchcock-expert, John Russell Taylor, will present restored versions of Cukor’s “A Star Is Born” starring Judy Garland and James Mason on Saturday, October 11 at 1 p.m. and Hitchcock’s “Jamaica Inn” on Sunday, October 12 at 2 p.m. 50TH Anniversary Retrospective Screenings “101 Reykjavik” Iceland (Director: Baltasar Kormákur) — A highlight of the 36th Chicago International Film Festival’s New Directors Competition, Icelandic auteur Baltasar Kormákur’s sharp-witted breakout centers on a young Icelandic man who has an affair with his mom’s Spanish girlfriend, Lola, a fish-out-of-water lesbian (played exuberantly by Pedro Almodovar regular Victoria Abril). With the same droll wit and ribald energy as compatriot Fridik Thor Fridriksson, Kormákur gives insight not only into his winning characters, but a unique northern youth culture. Also shown as part of the Spotlight: Scandinavia program. “Alexander: The Ultimate Cut”USA (Director: Oliver Stone) — In honor of its 10th anniversary, Oscar-winner Oliver Stone presents this definitive version of his controversial epic about the rise and fall of Alexander the Great. Starring Collin Farrell as the titular hero, the film chronicles his decade-long quest to avenge the death of his hated father (Val Kilmer). No stranger to violence and politics, Stone infuses the battle scenes with gut-wrenching detail and provides yet another thought-provoking portrait of an historic leader. Also starring Angelina Jolie. “Breaking the Waves” Denmark (Director: Lars von Trier) — Heralded as one of the best films of the ‘90s, Lars von Trier’s emotionally ravaging breakthrough stars Emily Watson, in her Oscar-nominated debut, as an innocent Scottish girl who goes to sexual extremes to prove her unwavering love for Jan (Stellan Skarsgård), an oil-man who is paralyzed on the job. Balancing the raw and the sublime, “Breaking the Waves” is a magnificent tour-de-force whose epic intimacy powerfully translates best on the big screen. Also shown as part of the Spotlight: Scandinavia program. “Family Life” Poland (Director Krzysztof Zanussi) — Acclaimed Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi returns to the Festival to present his 1971 Silver Hugo winner, an intense chamber piece about an industrial designer who returns to his family’s dilapidated country estate to help his alcoholic father and depressed sister. With powerful performances by Polish greats Daniel Olbrychski, Jan Nowicki, and Maja Komorowska, and a foreboding setting, the film remains an outstanding examination of the inability to break free from one’s past and a haunting evocation of the most suffocating kind of family life. “Fanny and Alexander” Sweden (Director: Ingmar Bergman) — A highpoint of not just Scandinavian cinema, but widely considered among the best films of all time, Bergman’s autobiographical masterpiece examines the highs and lows of the bourgeois Ekdahl family at the turn-of-the-twentieth-century through the eyes of ten-year-old Alexander. A four-time Academy Award–winning triumph that combines Bergman’s thematic interests in religion, family and fantasy, “Fanny and Alexander” is an intense, sensual and sprawling epic that deserves to be seen on the big screen. Also shown as part of the Spotlight: Scandinavia program. “Here’s Your Life” Sweden (Director: Jan Troell) — Winner of the Gold Hugo at the 1967 Chicago International Film Festival, Jan Troell’s gem of a film poetically traces the trials and tribulations of Olof, a boy coming of age in Sweden during World War I. A visually lush, stirring bildungsroman spread out over three hours and in gorgeous black-and-white widescreen, Troell’s rarely seen stylistic tour-de-force is rightfully heralded as a classic for its emotional candor. “The Idolmaker” USA (Director: Taylor Hackford) — The Opening Night Film of the 1980 Festival, Hackford’s lively rock-‘n’-roll debut follows the making of budding teen idols in the 1950s. Ray Sharkey—in his buoyant Golden Globe-winning performance—plays Vincent Vacarri, a Bronx songwriter who takes nobodies and turns them into legends, vicariously living out the fame he never managed to win himself. “The Idolmaker,” which launched the real-life career of Peter Gallagher, is a humorous and harrowing look into the machinations of showbiz. “Jamaica Inn” UK (Director: Alfred Hitchcock) — On the 75th anniversary of its original release, this restored version of Hitchcock’s 19th Century thriller follows an Irish girl (Maureen O’Hara) who arrives in a coastal village and finds herself caught up in a murderous gang's plot, surreptitiously led by a deliciously nasty Charles Laughton. Adapted from a book by Daphne Du Maurier (“Rebecca,” “The Birds”), this rarely seen adventure film is as wicked as its successors. Hitchcock expert John Russell Taylor presents. “Natural Born Killers: Director's Cut” USA (Director: Oliver Stone) — Oscar-winning filmmaking Oliver Stone returns to the Festival to presents this special 20th anniversary screening of his black-hearted satire of the media’s obsession with violent crime. Starring Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis as a pair of bloodthirsty lovers on a violent rampage, the film gleefully evokes the aesthetics of popular entertainment, weaving together a lurid, frenetic collage of cartoons, police procedurals and sitcoms that drives his social critique with a blunt and inimitable force. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” U.S. (Director: Milos Forman) — Celebrating its 1975 world premiere at the Festival, Milos Forman’s darkly funny masterpiece stars Jack Nicholson as a rabble-rouser who fights against the oppressive rules of a mental hospital, presided over by the tyrannical Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (for Nicholson), and Best Actress (for Fletcher), the film will screen in a newly restored version, honoring producer Saul Zaentz, with surprise guests in attendance. “Roger and Me” USA (Director: Michael Moore) — Michael Moore presents this 25th anniversary restored version of his breakthrough debut. An irreverent look at his hometown, Flint, Michigan, which had been economically decimated by downsizing at General Motors, the film charts Moore’s much-thwarted efforts to meet with then-GM Chairman Roger Smith. Blending humor with scathing indictment, “Roger and Me” ignited a national discussion about the cruelties of corporate America that remains just as relevant today. “A Star Is Born” USA (Director: George Cukor) — The most quintessential show-business drama of all time, “A Star is Born” (1954) stars Judy Garland as rising singer Esther Blodgett. When she catches the eye of an erudite alcoholic actor whose career is in decline, their intense love transforms them both. Returned to its initial length and digitally re-mastered, this glorious digital presentation restores this Hollywood Star to its original shining glory. Film historian and George Cukor expert John Russell Taylor will present. “White Nights” USA (Director: Taylor Hackford) — In honor of Oscar-winning director Taylor Hackford (“Ray”), whose debut “The Idolmaker” premiered at the 1980 Festival, we present this special revival of the film that boasted its world premiere here in 1985. A stirring Russia-set thriller, “White Nights” stars famed actor-dancers Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines as unlikely allies pitted against a nefarious Soviet empire. Featuring a stellar supporting cast, including Helen Mirren, Geraldine Page, Isabella Rossellini and choreography by the great Twyla Tharp. “Why Be Good?” USA (Director: William A. Seiter) — The top box-office draw of 1927 and a defining figure of the Roaring Twenties (and later, co-founder of the Chicago International Film Festival), Colleen Moore stars in this delightful jazz-age romp about a poor flapper girl with a bad reputation whose wealthy beau puts her virtue to the test. Long thought lost, the film, now having its North American premiere, was recently discovered and restored with its original score. A rare movie event! Chaplin Tribute Meet Charlie Chaplin authority David Robinson, who will celebrate the centenary of the first appearance of Chaplin’s famous Tramp costume. Robinson will explore the origins of the costume and the character, taking a fresh look at the first film in which the character was seen, “Kid’s Auto Races at Venice,” as well as his landmark short “The Immigrant,” a masterpiece of farcical comedy, sentiment and social commentary. Tickets, Festival Passes and Theater Information Festival Passes are on sale until October 19. Pass options include: Moviegoer (10 regular admissions): $100 for Cinema/Chicago members, $130 for non-members. Passport (20 regular admissions): $190 for Cinema/Chicago members, $240 for non-members Festival Tickets will be available to Cinema/Chicago members on September 17-18. General public tickets are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com/chicagofilmfestival   ; by phone at 312-332-FILM (3456); or by visiting the Festival box office at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) or the Cinema/Chicago office (30 E. Adams, Suite 800) beginning September 19. For ticketing information, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com   . Festival screenings will be held at the AMC River East 21 Theater (322 E. Illinois St.). The full schedule will be announced Tuesday, September 16. FESTIVAL SPONSORS Led by Tourism Partner Illinois Office of Tourism and Presenting Partners Columbia College Chicago, the 50th Chicago International Film Festival's sponsors include Official Airline: American Airlines; Headquarters Hotel: JW Marriott Chicago; Major Partner: Intersites, Wintrust Community Banks; Participating Partners: AARP, Allstate, Bloomberg, Casale del Giglio, Cultivate Studios, Netrix, Stella Artois; Platinum Media Sponsors: NCM Media Networks, Ingage Media, JC Decaux, Michigan Avenue Magazine.    # # # ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival is one of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards, CineYouth Festival, INTERCOM Competition, International Screenings Program, and Education Outreach Program. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America's longest-running competitive film festival. The Festival and its parent organization, Cinema/Chicago, were founded in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza to showcase great international film, which was conspicuously absent from the city’s theaters, and to bring celebrated filmmakers from around the globe to Chicago. Over the past half century, as we have grown to become a world-renowned event and evolved to reflect the changing times, the Festival has remained dedicated to its founding vision: to discover new and rising talents in filmmaking and to bring the best in international cinema and the artists behind the work to Chicago audiences. This year’s 50th anniversary Festival will feature a selection of “50th anniversary screenings,” featuring the work of returning filmmakers presenting past Festival films and/or personal favorites and important repertory films as well as new films by emerging and celebrated filmmakers alike. The 50th Chicago International Film Festival runs October 9-23, 2014. www.chicagofilmfestival.com

Chicago International Film Festival-Full Festival Schedule Available Now!

Full Festival Schedule Available Now!     Featuring over 200 films and representing over 50 countries. Wednesday, September 17-Thursday, September 18: 2-day member ticket pre-sale Friday, September 19: Tickets on sale to general public Visit chicagofilmfestival.com to view schedule or click here to download. Festival Schedules are available for pickup at AMC River East 21 (322 E Illinois St), our office (30 E Adams St, Suite 800) and at various locations around the city.   TOURISM PARTNER   PRESENTING PARTNER     OFFICIAL AIRLINE   HEADQUARTERS HOTEL   MAJOR PARTNERS PARTICIPATING PARTNERS PLATINUM MEDIA PARTNERS FOUNDATIONS & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PARTNER HOTELS GOLD MEDIA SPONSORS PROGRAM PARTNERS EVENT PARTNERS CULTURAL PARTNERS FESTIVAL PATRONS Jeanne Randall Malkin Family Foundation, Penelope R. and Robert M. Steiner, John and Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Foundation, Paul and Ellen Gignilliat Roger J. Ebert Estate, Lawrence and Nancy Glick, Cynthia Stone Raskin, Joseph and Mary Plauche, Richard Ehrie, David Deangelis, Christine Pope, Lynn Steffen Guatam and Ritu Dhingra, Holly Hayes, Patrick Lynch, Elaine and Donald Levinson, Byron and Judy Pollock, Alan Salpeter, Larry Shulman, Mamie Walton   Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a year-round non-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image. We serve Chicago's diverse and under-served citizenry by providing access to world-class cinema. We aim to enrich Chicago's cultural environment by presenting film in contexts that encourage discussion and debate.       Chicago International Film Festival 30 E. Adams St. Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60603 P: 312.683.0121 | F: 312.683.0122 | E: info@chicagofilmfestival.com Looking for an internship ? Click here for sponsorship opportunities.

Chicago International Film Festival | 30 E. Adams St., Suite 800 | Chicago | IL | 60603