The “Inside/Out” Exhibition at the Grove Gallery in Evanston, IL explores concepts of the window as metaphor. Windows, whether open or closed, represent dualities: freedom vs. constraint, order vs. chaos, and possibility vs. limitation. The window metaphor sets up narrative elements that address boundaries. In some cases, the viewer is outside, looking in. Conversely, the perspective may be from indoors, looking up and out into the horizon. Some paintings are rooted in fantasy, with colorful, surreal characters freely floating in space. Others are purely depictions of light-filled rooms, with curtains billowing in the breeze. The layered meanings within each picture plane keeps viewers guessing, projecting their own narratives onto each scene. A picture window creates the illusion of depth, whether with pure color or with linear perspective. Regardless of each artist’s technique and intention, the window metaphor is open to interpretation. 

Artists: Nicole Gordon, David Gista, Leslie Hirshfield, Fletcher Hays, Ellen Holtzblatt, Jennifer Presant, Sarah Kaiser-Amaral, Eleanor Speiss-Ferris, Ken Minami, and Caitlin Winner.

The Grove Gallery 

619 Grove Street

Evanston, IL 

Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 7 PM 

Website: www.grovegallery.shop