Look At Me: Photographs from Mexico City by Jed Fielding at the Chicago Cultural Center. Through July 5, 2009. Intimate portrayals of blind children in Mexico City are captured by the purely visual medium of photography in this series by Jed Fielding. That the image is a photograph relieves the taboo of one's own looking at these close-up portraits. A glance that might in life turn away can look longer. But looking longer crowds the thought with questions... At the Chicago Cultural Center through July 5, 2009.

Buckminster Fuller: Starting with the Universe at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Through June 21, 2009 - extended thru July 5, 2009. The life's work, designs and philosophies of visionary R. Buckminster Fuller are highlighted in this extensive exhibition. Drawings and sketches, models, excerpts from Fuller's notebooks, and much more dating from 1927 to the 1980s cover his remarkable conceptions of space and construction... More... At the MCA through June 21, 2009.

Deft Hands, Discerning Eyes: Chinese and Korean Ceramics from the Harry B. and Bessie K. Braude Memorial Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. Through June 7, 2009 - extended through January 10, 2010. Deft Hands, Discerning Eyes features more than 100 small works of Chinese and Korean ceramics from the 7th to the 9th centuries. Pause, and look deeply to absorb works that include sage-green celadon wares, small translucent whiteware vessels of finest porcelain, and the dark, earthy tones of lead-glazed tea bowls. This is not the bombast of blockbuster, big names, famed paintings; in fact quite the opposite. Their allure can be easy to overlook due to their very quietness. But pause, and be observant. Once you do, these tranquil pieces will yield their treasure. A full-color handout in the gallery is an excellent accompaniment. At The Art Institute of Chicago, extended through January 10, 2010.

Masterpieces of Ancient Jewelry: Exquisite Objects from the Cradle of Civilization at The Field Museum. Through July 5, 2009. A dazzling array of necklaces, earrings and precious amulets spanning 7,000 explores designs and materials dating back to the very dawn of civilization. Over 100 articles from important archaeological sites in the Middle East are a revealing glimpse into the decorative arts and trade patterns of their time. Gold work and carvings in semiprecious stone from Mesopotamia, faience necklaces from ancient Egypt, prized carnelian from the Levant, gold lions from Persia, and sophisticated pieces from the 15th and 16th century Islamic world show the remarkable skill of ancient jewelers and the motifs of greatest interest to their patrons. Small, but with much to see, this well-annotated exhibit includes details on the goldsmithing, trading networks and styles of the extraordinary heritage on view. Jewelry represents one of most accessible ways to begin to understand these ancient cultures, whose love of adornment so directly reflects our own. A full-color catalogue accompanies. At The Field Museum through July 5, 2009.

American Luxury: Jewels from the House of Tiffany, Jeannine Falino and Yvonne J. Markowitz, Eds. The delicious charm of this new volume on Tiffany & Co. is enhanced by the jewels illustrated in such glorious profusion. But the real heart of American Luxury, as multifaceted as its lavish creations, is the story of the firm behind the gems and Tiffany's rise to international reputation. Edited by Jeannine Falino and Yvonne J. Markowitz, both authors of several publications on jewelry, the essays craft a lively understanding of Tiffany's founding, its early promotional endeavors at home and abroad, its gem sourcing, and its intimate connection with design and fashion. More... American Luxury: Jewels from the House of Tiffany. Hardcover, 160 pgs. Antique Collectors' Club, Ltd.: December 2008.

V. 11 chronological (current volume)

V. 9 thru 10 chronological

V. 7 thru 8 chronological

V. 5 thru 6 chronological

V. 3 thru 4 chronological

V. 1 thru 2 chronological

Alphabetical Index V. 1 thru 4

Book Reviews

Performing Arts Archives