Artist Reception: “Feathered Masterpieces” by Jules Kunhardt

Artist Jules Kunhardt is exhibiting “Feathered Masterpieces” at POUR Evanston, on exhibit until June 15. Click here to see the pieces and shop the collection online at shopevanstonmade.org

Artist Statement

In my series “Feathered Masterpieces,” I explore the theme: The Artist in His Work.

Has this ever happened to you? You walk through a collection of famous works, looking from left to right, and suddenly think: “Oh! I know this one. This is, wait a moment … Edouard Manet? Indeed, how beautiful!” Because you are an expert, you remember the era of the Impressionists and that this was Manet’s last major painting before he died in the spring of 1883. Perhaps you even remember the name of the work: “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère.”

What you might overlook is that it simply shows a tired woman standing at the bar of a nightclub. Her vacant stare hints at a long night of work. Behind her is a mirror reflecting her and the silhouette of a man ordering a beer. But is it really her reflection? It’s not entirely clear, as something seems off with the perspective. In the background, an acrobat’s legs dangle from the ceiling. Numerous heads suggest an audience. Judging by the height, it must be a large hall, likely filled with noise. Yet, the painting exudes such calmness.

By replacing the barmaid’s face with that of a chicken, I compel the viewer to look again. I want to shift the focus from the artist’s fame to the subject. What story is being told? How did the original look again? Was the flower in the bartender’s cleavage actually centered in the middle of the painting?

My challenge is: How do I create a believable half-portrait with only one eye? My goal is: to see the painting anew. As a work of a great master, and not just because it hangs in the Prado.

I want to revel in the diversity of art epochs. In space, composition, expression, and the story that unfolds in the viewer’s mind when they recognize something simply because they have seen it a hundred times. The subjects I have chosen for this series all hang in major museums. Because we love what we already know, I use this advantage and draw masterpieces. But to give us a chance to appreciate the subject in the painting, I replace the main figure with a chicken. If you now look at my drawing and think: “Oh! There stands a weary figure at the bar,” then I have achieved what Manet probably intended: to depict an ordinary scene.

This reception is also Members Mixer for Evanston Made members and patrons. We invite you to attend to meet members and learn more about this growing arts organization. This event is free to attend, open to everyone, bring a friend!

Wednesday, June 12, 5-7p

528 Dempster Street

FREE to attend w RSVP

Light refreshments and beverages are available for purchse. Bottles of wine, 50% off, 4-6p.

About Evanston Made

Evanston Made creates programs and events that connect Evanston artists to a growing community of arts enthusiasts and patrons.

Evanston Made is a membership-based arts organization with a mission to connect artists to art enthusiasts and patrons and also to provide community and professional development to our members. Membership is open to artists, artisans, makers who make everything from art to clothes to music. We also welcome members who are art lovers and patrons who want to help us carry out our mission.

Learn more about Membership at evanstonmade.org

About Evanston POUR

Evanston Pour is a Euro-style coffee house by day and craft cocktail lounge by night.

Learn more at evanstonpour.com