‘ASCENDING’ artists take flight with Vertical Gallery, Frame Chicago
Vertical Gallery and Frame Chicago are very proud to present ‘ASCENDING,’ a kaleidoscopic group exhibition spotlighting close to four dozen artists from across the international urban-contemporary landscape.
‘ASCENDING,’ which runs Monday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Oct. 18 (including an opening reception on Thursday, Sept. 17), brings together 44 artists in total, representing 11 countries. The lineup includes mainstays of Vertical’s ongoing programming efforts, old friends returning after extended absences, and new friends exhibiting with Vertical for the very first time — a veritable who’s-who spanning a broad spectrum of styles, sensibilities, and price points.
“There’s something in this show for everyone,” says Vertical owner Patrick Hull. “Each artist in ‘ASCENDING’ has their own unique aesthetic. None of them could be mistaken for anyone else.”
The ‘ASCENDING’ roster, in alphabetical order:
2CHOEY (TH), Adrian Armstrong (US), AJ Ainscough (US), Alex Senna (BR), Angel Onofre (US), Bird Milk (US), Blake Adams (US), Blake Jones (US), CABNOV (PH), Carlos Fdez [The Penrider] (ES), Chris Cunningham [Clean Cut Visuals] (UK), Christy Grossmann (US), Copyright (UK), Daniel Sueiras Fanjul (ES), Danny Martinez [Van Dam One] (US), Dwight White II (US), E.LEE (US), Florist (UK), Grant William Thye (US), Greg Gossel (US), Hama Woods (NO), Jaime Sancorlo (ES), James Lipnickas (US), Jamie Jones (CY), Jenny Frison (US), Jeremy Yamamura (JP), Jerome Tiunayan (US), Jordan Ferguson (US), Joseph Renda Jr. (US), Juliet Schreckinger (US), Laura Catherwood (US), LIE [Jay Turner] (US), Marcelo Suazabar (BO), Marcus Troy (CA), Martin Whatson (NO), Melrick Steele (US), Morgan Nicolette (US), Nate Otto (US), Pipsqueak was here!!! (NL), Pizza in the Rain (US), Rae Denise (US), Sergio Farfán (US), Steve Seeley (US), Troy Lee (US).
‘ASCENDING’ features two original works from each artist, both sized 11 x 14 in. (30 x 40 cm). “This show is very much in the tradition of old-school Vertical group shows,” Hull says. “There’s no specific theme to the work. We’re allowing the artists to create just what they want to create.”
‘ASCENDING’ is presented in partnership with Frame Chicago, located in picturesque Lincoln Park. The 45-year-old custom framing business has doubled as an exhibition space since 2019.
“We've partnered with Vertical Gallery in various capacities over the last several years, but this is the first time we’ve partnered for an exhibition. It’s also Frame Chicago’s first time showcasing international work,” says owner Alisha Rajani. “When viewers see all these pieces together in our environment, it's really going to make an impact.”
‘ASCENDING’ kicks off Thursday, Sept. 17 at Frame Chicago (1627 N. Clybourn Ave.) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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