Anthony Adcock (American b. 1987) blends his unique experiences working as a Local #1 Ironworker and as an artist to create works that explore the relationship between labor and value. Using hyper illusionistic trompe l’oeil painting, sculpture, and installation, he distorts the line between reality and perception to question the importance and relevance of authorship.

“Working as a Union Ironworker in Chicago during such a time of uncertainty has provided me the opportunity to understand and identify with workers who fear uncertainties, misinformation, and societal revisions. 

Work in Progress investigates the workers’ dilemma through a form of  productive confusion that mimics my relationship with work and art. This exhibition aims to function as a conceptual bridge to the unpopulated intersection of contemporary art discourse and Union labor.” 

Povos collaborated with Anthony Adcock to create a mockumentary short about the event ft. local art world characters.

Image credit: Install at Povos Chicago 2000 N Milwaukee