1953 Born Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.

Discover the Spirit and Mystery of Artist Andre Ferrella

The Elmhurst Art Museum will host Andre Ferrella: Artist of the Spirit, a spectacular exhibition of mystery and discovery from September 30, 2006 through January 7, 2007. An internationally celebrated multi-media artist, painter, and photographer, Andre Ferrella emphasizes thoughtful consideration of our place in the universe while producing imaginative, luminous images. His art ranges from the beauty of nature and its relationship with light to using a variety of artistic methods that include physically painting with light on photographic film and the manipulation of the human figure to represent harmony in the universe. His work explores the realm of microorganisms and draws a line of similarity to stars and galaxies within the cosmos. Ferrellas portfolio includes works such as The Living Pictures, Soul Portraits, and Spirit Boxes. Artwork from all three series will be on display at the Elmhurst Art Museum during the fall of 2006.

Mr. Ferrella transforms photographic negatives into The Living Pictures offering the viewer the opportunity to see life and growth with the natural decay process. The microscopic organic structures in the pictures Ferrella creates resemble those we see in astronomy such as stars and galaxies. A parallel is drawn between the microscopic world and the higher world of the universe.

Through Soul Portraits, Andre explores an individuals facial features and a connection with the spiritual realm. The face transforms to become a multifaceted work of art. They are created from a portrait, which is remapped over and over infinitely to make a unique representation of each individual. Each one becomes very personalized and unique, says Mr. Ferrella.

The Spirit Boxes are manipulated human images representing a portal into another dimension through veiled illumination of the figure. The artwork conveys a supernatural sensation. Mr. Ferrella creates these images
through a variety of techniques, materials, and media in his exploration into humankinds connection to the spiritual world.

These remarkable works of Andre Ferrella will be exhibited in three museum galleries. The third gallery will contain a composition created by Andre specifically for the Elmhurst Art Museum. In addition to the indoor gallery displays, he will use the architectural award-winning building itself as a palette for his unique large-scale animated projections. The exterior light installation will be free of charge and on view each evening until midnight throughout the run of the exhibition.

To begin to unravel the mysterious and exciting world around you through the artistic eye of Andre Ferrella, plan a visit to Elmhurst Art Museum for this one-of-a-kind exhibition, which will beckon visitors to a thorough awaking of the senses and vision of a world both seen and unseen. The exhibition is funded through the generous support of Friends of Andre Ferrella, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Allen, and the City of Elmhurst Community Grant Program. Additional support is provided by Rex Electric Inc. & Technologies, and Mr. and Mrs. Don Alexander. Promotional support provided by Chicago Public Radio. 91.5FM and Comcast.