Moonlight through an Onion Skin
by Patrick Ogle
Moonlight through an Onion Skin is Monica Jahan Bose's first show in Chicago and takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Agitator Cooperative Gallery (1112 North Ashland Ave., Chicago). The show will consist of works on paper: etchings, drawings, watercolors, mixed media and limited edition photographs from Bose's performance pieces. She may also have a video of performance work.
Bose says the title suggests transformation and a new way of looking at things. It is about finding magic, love and mystery in the everyday world, all the while trying to change perspectives and achieve a shift of outlook from ourselves to the wider world.
"I peel onions almost daily but occasionally I find myself really looking at the beauty of the translucent pink or purple onion skin. The world looks different when you look through the onion skin," says Bose. "The moon represents the cycle of time, and to me it is a feminine symbol, perhaps guiding us by its light."
She will speak on the recurring themes and symbols in her work and the inspiration behind them at the show.
"My work is inspired by dreams, love, everyday objects, some of the urgent issues we are facing today, and the connection I feel to nature, the earth, as well as to my roots and my mother language." says Bose.
Moonlight through an Onion Skin is Monica Jahan Bose's first show in Chicago and takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Agitator Cooperative Gallery (1112 North Ashland Ave., Chicago). The show will consist of works on paper: etchings, drawings, watercolors, mixed media and limited edition photographs from Bose's performance pieces. She may also have a video of performance work.
Bose says the title suggests transformation and a new way of looking at things. It is about finding magic, love and mystery in the everyday world, all the while trying to change perspectives and achieve a shift of outlook from ourselves to the wider world.
"I peel onions almost daily but occasionally I find myself really looking at the beauty of the translucent pink or purple onion skin. The world looks different when you look through the onion skin," says Bose. "The moon represents the cycle of time, and to me it is a feminine symbol, perhaps guiding us by its light."
She will speak on the recurring themes and symbols in her work and the inspiration behind them at the show.
"My work is inspired by dreams, love, everyday objects, some of the urgent issues we are facing today, and the connection I feel to nature, the earth, as well as to my roots and my mother language." says Bose.
Bose is obviously an artist but she is also an activist and attorney. Her transcendent work is about many things, has many facets but summed up in one word, Bose's art is about empowerment.
"I think artists can empower viewers by making art that facilitates dialogue on important issues. Further, artists that engage with communities through social practice art projects focusing on particular issues can make a tangible difference in raising awareness and empowering people," she says.
She is unequivocal in her stance that artists can use their creativity to make a difference.
"In my own practice, I've found that most people love to make hands-on-art and be part of a community art project or group performance," says Bose. "Art is a great tool for building community and fostering healing. Artists can use art to empower people by involving other people in the making of the art."
Both of Bose's parents are from Bangladesh and she spent some of her formative years there.
"My parents were language activists and taught me to speak and read Bangla, and I have passed on the language to my daughters. I have many relatives and friends living in Bangladesh, and I spend time there almost every year working on my art."
Bose studied art at Wesleyan University, the University of California (Berkeley) and Santiniketan (India). Her law degree is from Columbia Law School and she lives in Washington DC. She has extensively exhibited in the USA and around the world with 19 solo shows and many group exhibitions. Her performance pieces have taken place at venues including Art Asia Miami, Twelve Gates Gallery, the Bangladesh National Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the DUMBO Arts Festival, (e)merge art fair, SELECT Art Fair Miami Beach and UNESCO (Paris).
"I think artists can empower viewers by making art that facilitates dialogue on important issues. Further, artists that engage with communities through social practice art projects focusing on particular issues can make a tangible difference in raising awareness and empowering people," she says.
She is unequivocal in her stance that artists can use their creativity to make a difference.
"In my own practice, I've found that most people love to make hands-on-art and be part of a community art project or group performance," says Bose. "Art is a great tool for building community and fostering healing. Artists can use art to empower people by involving other people in the making of the art."
Both of Bose's parents are from Bangladesh and she spent some of her formative years there.
"My parents were language activists and taught me to speak and read Bangla, and I have passed on the language to my daughters. I have many relatives and friends living in Bangladesh, and I spend time there almost every year working on my art."
Bose studied art at Wesleyan University, the University of California (Berkeley) and Santiniketan (India). Her law degree is from Columbia Law School and she lives in Washington DC. She has extensively exhibited in the USA and around the world with 19 solo shows and many group exhibitions. Her performance pieces have taken place at venues including Art Asia Miami, Twelve Gates Gallery, the Bangladesh National Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the DUMBO Arts Festival, (e)merge art fair, SELECT Art Fair Miami Beach and UNESCO (Paris).
