Ferguson Art Gallery exhibit '(re)generations' opens Oct. 13

The Ferguson Art Gallery at Concordia University Chicago presents an exhibit by artist Dave Sobotka, entitled "(re)generations," free and open to the public from Oct. 13 to Nov. 16. A reception with the artist will be held in the gallery Sunday, Nov. 10 from 2-4 p.m., with an artist talk at 3 p.m.

"In 2007, I picked up a camera and discovered new ways of seeing the world. From that point onward, I honed my vision and technical skills, photographing and manipulating thousands of images," Sobotka says. His work has recently been exhibited at ArtSpace at College Church, Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Water Street Art Studios and Gallery Seven. He was also featured in the 2022 and 2023 editions of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI.

Through the melding of photography, installation and digital manipulation, Sobotka's work investigates themes of mortality. The title of the exhibition, "(re)generations," is tied to the biblical passage from Ecclesiastes, "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever."

"David Sobotka encourages viewers to ponder the fleeting beauty of life," says Ferguson Art Gallery Director Nikkole Huss. "By arranging natural artifacts into mesmerizing symmetrical patterns that spin, spiral and sway, he innovatively captures cycles of life, death and rebirth. These moments are frozen in time yet serve as beacons of beauty and hope."

The Ferguson Art Gallery is located in Kretzmann Hall at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit CUChicago.edu/ferguson or call 708-209-3013.