Stan Shellabarger ǀ “Walking Book” Performance

Watch Chicago-based artist Stan Shellabarger as he creates two of his signature “walking books” during extended performances here. Shellabarger walks as a mode of action-driven expression. Using modest materials and spatially constrained courses, he creates one-of-a-kind works of art that are part performance art and part drawing. The hours-long duration of his mark-making activity and the repetitive and rhythmic nature of his movements resemble spiritual and secular forms of meditation, a ritualized exercise that directs awareness inward. His work is rich with metaphorical connotations, evoking ideas such as temporality, human consciousness, and the cyclical nature of life. Shellabarger welcomes visitor questions and observations during his performances, so feel free to interact.

Offered in conjunction with the MIA exhibition Sacred: Walking as Spiritual Action, this event is co-presented by the Prints & Drawings Affinity Group and Public Programs in collaboration with Third Thursday.