SXU Gallery Presents "Working Memory"
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will host "Working Memory," the work of Chicago artist Kimmy Noonen, from September 30 through October 24.
The show exhibits pieces from 2021 to 2026 that focus on the ideas of mental health, emotional healing, memory and generational trauma.
"This is the first time I've explicitly shown a collection of my work on this topic, even though it's been a big part of my life and work for many years. I started therapy almost 11 years ago for my own well-being, never imagining that the labor I would do in that arena would reform my entire life. In a time when the invisible burdens of our inner worlds feel so overwhelming and under-supported, I want to inspire creative conversations about the vulnerability, courage and complexity that comes with transformation," said Noonen.
Though Noonen considers herself a painter, she uses a myriad of materials in her work. In "Working Memory," viewers can expect to find traditional paintings on canvas with acrylic, graphite and spray paint, as well as inherited textiles from Noonen's late grandmother's sewing collection, prescription pill bottles, plastic safety fencing, metal mesh and photographic prints.
"I love to explore the capacity of materials; the fabrics that touch our skin, the objects that fill up our homes and landfills, the colors that give shape to our memories. All materials have potential for storytelling and bridge-building, using the small and broken things to create a substantial and lively interactive experience," said Noonen.
Noonen hopes that the exhibit will invite viewers to think about their own experiences, struggles and stories from a new angle, realizing that they're not alone in a topic that can often feel isolating.
"The weight of invisible burdens can feel so heavy and disorienting, but with the right tools, muscles and community, the things we carry can also be incredibly beautiful. An example of this is the interactive piece titled 'Unknotted.' At the opening of the show, viewers will encounter a wall-mounted set of strings that have been knotted together in a complex weaving of chaos. Through printed instructions, viewers are invited to unknot the fabric strips, one piece at a time, as a metaphor for the long and urgent work of dismantling generational trauma. I hope this somatic practice will stay with the people who participate, transferring art appreciation from a mental exercise to a bodily collaboration. Sometimes the best imprint we can leave on a system is to destroy it," said Noonen.
Noonen has loved making art for as long as she can remember.
"As a first-generation college student, my family was surprised when I declared visual art as my major and jumped into an abstract world, valuing ideas over labor. For many years, I tried to reshape myself to fit a traditional elite artist mold, a highly intellectual academic, but it always felt false and left me with a long season of identity confusion. It wasn't until becoming a mother that I had the time and urgency to evaluate how my inherited culture and education, two seemingly opposing poles, could come together into one body. I've learned that my blue-collar upbringing contributes to the kind of physical, interactive work I make and that I want art to be accessible to people from all walks of life. I define art as how humans describe and celebrate what it means to be human, through materials that change and grow as the artist does. I'm grateful to be more at peace with the process of learning about myself through my practice," said Noonen.
Noonen considers how the troubling times on the planet can lead society to lock humans into routine, disconnection and fear, but she appreciates that the university setting for her work is designed as a place for idea exchange and openness to others.
"I'm hopeful that the conversations and questions Saint Xavier students have around my artwork will stay with them and influence the kind of leaders they will become after launching from this institution," said Noonen.
This year, Noonen will complete a two-year residency program with Artists in Public Schools (AiPS), where she will be working with high school students at Steinmetz College Prep on the Northwest Side. Noonen will also be showing work at various locations around the city, including Hairpin Arts Center in Logan Square and SkyArt in Garfield Park. To learn more about Noonen, visit her website.
The artist's presentation and reception will be held Wednesday, September 30, at 4 p.m. at the SXU Gallery.
The SXU Gallery is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact the Gallery at 773-298-3081.