Painting paintings of paintings

Last week in San Francisco, I went to see the Matisse/Diebenkorn show. It’s a beautifully put together exhibition which would’ve been perfect if not for the Saturday throngs which sardined their way through its galleries. I would’ve loved to’ve wandered through and lingered at this or that picture without phalanxes of audio-tour zombies blocking my view.Continue reading “Painting paintings of paintings”

Theater Reviews

I’ve been enjoying writing capsule theater reviews for the Reader the last couple months. Chicago is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to plays of all stripes. Here are some recent ones: Blood at the Root Dominique Morrisseau’s play inspired by the Jena Six case, in which six black teenagers were initially charged withContinue reading “Theater Reviews”

Bridgeport All-Star

I’ve lived in Bridgeport over two years now. It’s about the fifth neighborhood I’ve tried since coming to Chicago twenty-seven years ago, but probably the first one I truly feel a part of. At least as much as I’m able to feel a part of anything. A big part of this novel community feeling comesContinue reading “Bridgeport All-Star”