Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich at the Edelman Gallery Chicago and Two Shows at the Frost Museum in Miami

Malkovich as "Andy"

Kudos to Sandro Miller for conceiving an original method of paying tribute to the photographers who influenced him. And to John Malkovich who accepted the invitation to make it happen.

Through January 3 the Edelman Gallery in Chicago is hosting a free photography exhibit titled Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich: Homage to Photographic Masters. From what I read and heard, the opening last night was a thrill. Though Mr. Malkovich himself was not there, the photographer Sandro Miller was indeed there. According to a friend who was present, "It was an absolutely brilliant exhibit."

In essence, here's the concept. Once Sandro Miller determined to become serious about his photography aspirations, he intently studied the books published by the great photographers of our time and the images that so captured and defined our culture. Mr. Miller decided it would be really great if he could get someone like John Malkovich to re-enact all these compositions.

How talented is John Malkovich. It’s not a question. The man has produced a remarkable catalog demonstrating phenomenal range as an actor. He first caught my attention as the blind boarder in Places in the Heart. That may have been when he was noticed on the screen but his acting career with the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago began much earlier. His willingness to take risks, to become almost anything and anyone, this are all part of his mystique.

...and as Jagger.

Mr. Miller first met John Malkovich in the 1990's while working on a project for Chicago's influential Steppenwolf Theater. Sixteen years later the two are still collaborating. According to the artist statement...

In 2013, Sandro decided to do a project honoring the men and women whose photographs helped shape his career. After selecting thirty-five images to emulate, Sandro contacted Malkovich, who instantly agreed to participate. When speaking about Malkovich, Sandro states: “John is the most brilliant, prolific person I know. His genius is unparalleled. I can suggest a mood or an idea and within moments, he literally morphs into the character right in front of my eyes. He is so trusting of my work and our process… I’m truly blessed to have him as my friend and collaborator.”

The Catherine Edelman Gallery is located at 300 W. Superior Street in Chicago.

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Dylan Trivia: 40 years ago today Bob Dylan performed in Orono, Maine at the Memorial Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Maine.

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Here's a story I'd intended to include on Thursday's Here, There and Elsewhere. The Frost Museum in Miami has some special new exhibitions kicking off this weekend.

The first is Wang Qingsong's ADinfinitum. This exceptional show encompasses the entire third floor of the Frost. Today Wang will be speaking at a preview of the show, a collection of provocative, surreal photo-murals, each depicting what initial appears normal yet strange, designed to make a statement on the state of China today as it stands on the threshold of uncertain future possibilities. This link will give you a sense of his striking imagery.

The second is called A Global Exchange: Geometric Abstraction Since 1950 from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires. The collection chronicles a commanding roster of intercontinental artists, spanning 1950-2014. The images below are a few of my favorites from this exhibition. Kind of makes me wonder why I'm living in Minnesota.

About the Frost
The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum is located at Florida International University in Miami. The Frost opened its current 46,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building in November 2008.

The Frost Museum in Miami

The best part? The exhibits are always free.