Harold Washington College Alumni Showcase

Curatorial Statement:  

This exhibition is a love letter to our Harold Washington College alumni. The breadth of artworks here speaks to the many disciplines and avenues this group of alumni have taken throughout their lives. As is the nature of our college, we are often just one stop on the academic path of our students as they transfer to four-year universities or enter their professional careers. Harold Washington College Alumni Showcase is a way to bring together our alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and to celebrate the creative excellence of our community.  

These works of art deviate in medium and theme. Each piece is a glimpse into the practice of these artists, into the process of their work, and the meaning they share with us. Carmen Ordoñez captures moments in time with her photography series “POR VIDA”, documenting the artistry of the Mexican-American lowrider community in Chicago. In Katerina Chris’s "Rotten Residuals," the paper is itself part of the artwork, handmade using natural fibers. In "United We Rise!," Keilyn Cruz reenvisions a map of the United States, connecting the Chicago skyline with a digital tapestry of Latin American flags, making a poignant statement of solidarity and unity. Bishal Manandhar’s "Sublime" acts as a physical manifestation of time spent with his wife, drinking tea, for pleasure and for medicine. Through an amalgamation of the superheroes and supervillains of Onli Studios, Johnathan Ford pays tribute to his mentor and beloved Harold Washington College educator and artist, the late Professor Turtel Onli. 

- Anneli Goeller, Curator  

Special thanks to the faculty and staff of the Department of Art and Architecture and Ellen Goldberg of the Transfer Center for connecting with alumni and making this exhibition possible.