Extra News - Chicago through a Different Set of Eyes

Photo: LIKALEE
“Made In Chicago-Urban Landscapes and Gentrification” |Carolina Reyes | Dec. 4 | La Llorona Gallery | 1474 W. Webster | Carolinaireyes.carbonmade.com
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Extra News - Chicago through a Different Set
of Eyes

Carolina Reyes knows the city of Chicago well. She was not only born here, but as an artist, she sees the city through a different set of eyes. Reyes’ new exhibit, “Made in Chicago,” focuses on a side of Chicago that is not usually printed on tourist’s guides.

For Reyes, the love for art began in high school, and continued throughout college. Now, Reyes is not only an assistant at La Llorona Gallery, but also an artist whose focus is urban pop with a spark of surrealism.

Recently, Reyes gave a tour of Chicago in which she admits she saw the city in a new light.
“Having to explain the architecture made me appreciate the city even more,” Reyes said.
Reyes found inspiration for her new exhibit over a course of two years.

“During that time, I rode my bike all around the city and I saw a lot. I learned that certain things are unjust and that’s what I wanted to focus on.”

Reyes adds that there are many things about Chicago that are underrepresented – such as gentrification – and uses this as an opportunity to show the audience some of the bigger issues that concern Chicago.

Although her exhibit has kept her busy, she still finds time to visit the local art scene.
“There’s a lot of men in the art world so I do my best to go around and show my support for female artists as well,” she says.

Her advice for up-and-coming artists: “Don’t give up what you’re doing. You’re going to receive criticism all the time, but the idea is to stick with what is important to you.”

After viewing her art, Reyes wants the audience to leave with the idea that it’s O.K. to question things.

“We’re taught not to question, we just follow rules, so I want them to stop for a moment and think. Questioning things brings awareness and that in itself can bring change,” she said.
by Deysi Cuevas