Aurora, Ill. — Presented by the City of Aurora Public Art Gallery, two exhibits “The Bigger Picture(s)” and “Deposition: Drawn” will be on display until July 19. The exhibits showcase the work of 24 world-renowned artists. The artwork is inspired by prompts from Tim Lowly, a representational artist, academic, musician and photographer.
The Bigger Picture(s) is a collection of eight large paintings done by Tim Lowly. They depict Lowly’s daughter, Temma, who is 39 years old and profoundly disabled due to significant brain damage. Through his artwork, Lowly means to give Temma and disabled people like her more recognition. The large scale of the works in this exhibit demonstrate the substantial impact people like Temma have.
Deposition: Drawn is an exhibit directed and curated by Lowly. The exhibit is still indirectly influenced by Temma. Lowly invited 24 artists to make a drawing inspired by or related to an aspect of Temma and her life.
“Conventionally persons like Temma are categorized as ‘profoundly disabled,’” Lowly said in his artist’s statement. “I find that categorization — which essentially reduces the understanding of such persons to what they lack — to be misleading. Temma is profoundly ‘other.’ My painting centers to existentially regard and faithfully represent Temma as a profoundly and meaningfully ‘other’ subject.”
Admission to these exhibits is free at the City of Aurora Public Art Gallery.
