Owen McHugh and Abstraction in the Permanent Collection 

Saturday October 8 - Sunday December 4, 2022

Opening Reception: October 8 12:00-4:00 pm

CHICAGO, IL—The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is delighted to announce Owen McHugh and Abstraction in the Permanent Collection. This exhibition highlights abstract,  non-representational works in UIMA’s Permanent Collection alongside Owen McHugh’s most recent works from 2017 to the present. Artists exhibiting from the Permanent Collection include Corey Postiglione,  Kathie Shaw, John Hoyland, Alexander Hunenko, Martin Hurtig, Lida Petruniak-Colucci, Michael Mandziuk, Irma Osadsa, William Pura, and David Samila. 

Owen McHugh is a local Chicago Artist deeply rooted in Abstraction throughout his career. He maintained his M.F.A from Northern Illinois University, and he taught Two-Dimensional Design as well as painting and drawing courses at Columbia College Chicago for over forty years. His work is in many permanent collections including the National Museum of American Art, State of Illinois Collection, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL. 

While many abstract artists gravitate to working  within one stylistic approach in abstraction, geometric or gestural, McHugh attempts to bridge the two together. This ambiguous configuration of conflict, becomes a metaphor of existence for McHugh. In his most recent years, McHugh developed his own personal process in which he began an arrangement of organic forms that then underwent a transfiguration through repeated overlays and spattering, modifying coloration and organic shapes in his beginning formations. 

This exhibition is curated by Christina Wyshnytzky, UIMA curatorial assistant.

What is your process of using color and space?

My choice of colors is dictated by the total ensemble of color, shape and space. I usually use two colors that can be mixed in a variety of washes, spatters and solids. I use this way of making adjacent shapes reverse their relative place in the arrangement, creating a subtle ambiguity.

Why do you use acrylic medium?

I use the acrylic medium to convey light and luminosity and opaque flatness. The goal of the process is to utilize depth and space and overcome the tyranny of the gesture.

How do you define Abstraction?

Total abstraction is the result of removing any reference to table, chair, tree or face. That which is left can be called abstract. What I want to show in my work is a sense of wonderment not a facile rendering.

Are you working on anything new?

I’m in the process of completing some paintings I started before the show. And what next? I might be working with a grid, like a chess board. And continuing my exploration of unexpected colors. I am hanging loose.