Hewes Library’s Len G. Everett Gallery has opened its walls to the mixed media artwork of Katie Kahn, associate professor of art at Northern Illinois University.

The individual pieces form a collection called “Sea Change.” Kahn’s exhibit opened on Monday, Oct. 1 and will remain open through Friday, Oct. 26.  All of the pieces featured in this exhibit were created in 2006-2007.

Kahn has participated in exhibits every year over the past two decades and is pushing on a third. Most of her recent work has been shown in solo exhibits. She earned a B.F.A. degree from California College of Arts and Crafts, and an M.F.A. degree from Yale University. She has taught at NIU since 1996.

All of Kahn’s drawings are done on the pages of the “The New York Times.” She filters themes of modern living through the pen drawings that she layers on top of the NYT business section. Kahn works primarily in black pen, but uses color strategically throughout the exhibit. She works the images and headlines from the newspapers into her artwork while simultaneously commenting on the material.

There is plenty of abstraction in the ideas found in Kahn’s work, but people are her subject.  Ideas are nothing without action; so, Kahn illustrates her message with people in action. Most of her pieces are crowded with people talking, praying, singing and loving. 

There is very little doubt about Kahn’s political loyalties, but it doesn’t hurt the work. She leads her audience to a message, but allows some room for personal interpretation and projection.

Kahn will deliver a lecture on Friday, Oct. 12 from 1-2 p.m. in the Barnes Electronic Classroom. A reception for her work will immediately follow. Kahn is currently scheduled to return to Monmouth College in 2008 for a lecture and workshop for art students.

Return to Home -- Return to Features