bygone(s) A Review

Caroline Picard: Bygone(s)
January 12 - March 1, 2008
opening reception Saturday, January 12 from 6 - 10pm
Around the Coyote Gallery
1935 ½ W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Gallery hours:
Open by appointment only on Mondays
10:00 - 6:00 Tuesday - Friday
12:00 - 6:00 Saturdays

review by: David Downs

I came to Around the Coyote Gallery following a charming image on a postcard I received for the
show "bygone(s)" featuring the art of Caroline Picard. The image was intriguing, as it looked like a
combination of paper cut-outs with painted surfaces. It was attractive and eye-catching.
The major focus of the show was just as the postcard indicated. Large obtuse, abstract shapes of
solid, bright colors layered together. Other pieces were vibrantly chaotic and maticulous,
juxtaposing a multitude of shapes and forms. On the edges of these layers she painted fine lines
and colorful detailing that was ornate, delicate, and beautiful.

As I ventured around the parameter of the gallery, I moved through more examples of Caroline's
work. A painting of "Fortuna" (the main character of the illustrated book that could be purchased at
the front desk) and a rather simple video playing of Fortuna hanging posters of herself as passerby's
just, well... passed her by. Next, there were more cut-outs, of white paper this time, piled in a
corner as if they had been merely discarded, and finally, some well penciled images on the backs
of small popcorn bags.

There seemed to be a lack of cohesion to the show. Most of these pieces could easily have stood
on their own, and could have been expanded upon. I felt I was seeing an impromptu retrospective of
an artist who is still very new. I will say, however, Caroline definitely shows talent in all of her
artistic pursuits, and I am sure her next show will feel more complete.