2nd Fridays Presents: 20 years of Alleys & Ruins: Dark, Menacing Spaces

Xavier Nuez’s beautiful photographs depict decaying parts of the city that many try to avoid. Let Nuez lead you to these alleys and ruins and give you a look around - challenge your preconceptions and maybe open your eyes to what keeps him going back for inspiration after 20 years of photographing.

20 Years of Alleys & Ruins: Dark, Menacing Spaces opens December 9th during Chicago Arts District’s 2^nd Fridays and runs until February 6, 2012; photographs will be displayed in the seven showPODs along the 1800 block of South Halsted St.

Xavier says that while photographing he’s been chased by gangs, questioned by police, accosted by crazed addicts and drug dealers, and held at gunpoint. “And yet under these trying conditions, and within the filth and stench of the city’s gutters, I find inspiration. With a family history of homelessness and with a constant belief that I was next, I found the need to dignify what has been rejected.”  

See these striking images and participate in the excitement during the last 2^nd Friday of 2011, December 9, 6-10pm at South Halsted and 18^th streets. You’ll see the photographs by Nuez that The New York Times calls masterpieces, as well as attend openings in 30 other galleries and art spaces.

Visit the 2^nd Friday info center at 1821 S Halsted St for maps and event details.

For additional information contact curator Cynthia West at: cwest@chicagoartsdistrict.org