Open 24 Hours, Edra Soto

In addition to the unveiling of two new permanent commissions at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, THE COLLECTION will open a rotating exhibition by artist Edra Soto on October 5. Soto’s project, Open 24 Hours, will be on view in three display cases located throughout the shopping center. The installations are composed of free standing wood shelves and glass bottles that were found by Soto in her neighborhood East Garfield Park. The work is motivated by the excessive amounts of litter that are visible in the area, and evoke a sense of empathy for the consumption of these bottles as complex forms of pleasure, interconnections and escape from socio-economic oppression.

“Placing the bottles in a still-life format allows me to provide an accessible entrance that is recognizable to viewers,” said artist Edra Soto. “My impulse is to be civic-minded. Recording my process is an intimate insight of my everyday reality and those of my neighbors.”

Also happening, THE COLLECTION will welcome Derrick Adams’ largest commission to date. The monumental mural and lighting installation will be located on the exterior of Fashion Outlets of Chicago at its grand entrance. Adams’ work will join an interactive commission by Chad Kouri as well as Soto's rotating work on view inside the shopping center. Curated by Anna Cerniglia of Johalla Projects, all three works will be unveiled during a special public event Friday, October 5 from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
 
During the public unveiling event, guests can mingle with the featured artists while enjoying live DJs, food and beverage offerings, free activations and more. Admission is free. The first 100 attendees will also receive a limited-edition item designed by Derrick Adams.