A Parallel Planets piece by Unknown
Parallel Planets Presents Derek Weber
in Traditions of Psychedelia
Story by Nicole Lane
Mentioned: 16mm, summertime dreamin’, and nostalgia
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Living in Chicago has so many incredible perks that they exceed the fingers on my hands. Art, incredible views, museums, and Lake Michigan are only to name a few. In addition to this small list, the perk of living in a city where multidisciplinary artists thrive is a super, duper, plus. The other day, I stumbled across the Chicago artist Derek Weber’s work in the Peanut Gallery located in Humboldt Park.
Derek, a University of Illinois graduate explores color, the natural world, music, and all of the senses through various mediums. Drawing, photography, .gifs, video, sound, and installation make up his refreshing, creative resume. Derek’s use of modern technology, such as .gifs and sound in conjunction with older mediums, such as 16mm and 35mm, are impressive and stimulating due to use of the “old” and “new”. What strikes me and grabs me the most about Derek’s work are his 16mm pieces, which feature black and white negative films that are shot on an optical printer. The blueish tint in his film, “Devil's Lake” offers an ethereal and curious image for the viewer. There is a figure jumping and then swimming into the lake--the shot is picturesque, her head emerging from the water is a sense of relief and the overall slow movement of the figure creates a nostalgic feeling for the viewer.
While at the exhibit, Melting, I came across a CD player sitting nicely on a small table with some CDs begging for a listen. Once I did, some folky tunes came into my ears and I quickly turned around to look at the video, “Devil's Lake.” The conflation of the music (created by Derek) and the swimming figure made for a perfect summer daydream. The connection between the two--sound and video--as well as his photographs, moleskins, and projections allowed me to take in the natural world that Derek is yearning to create. The “traditions of psychedelia” are prevalent in his play with color, senses and total euphoria.
Derek Weber is currently working and living in Chicago, Illinois. If you’re in the Chicago area, make sure to head to the Peanut Gallery for a performance by Derek on May 9th at 8:00PM.
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