CHICAGO -- Alice Tippit's solo exhibition, Rose Obsolete, at the DePaul Art Museum invites visitors into a realm of intriguing visual puzzles. The exhibition features a captivating array of murals, a neon installation, and a series of word drawings, but the heart of the show lies in 23 small oil paintings that challenge perception much like the famous Rubin's vase. Viewers are encouraged to discern various interpretations, revealing insights about their own perceptions.
Born in 1975 near Kansas City and a Chicago resident since 2006, Tippit creates deceptively simple images that focus on singular subjects with minimal elements. Her technique--executing paintings in a single day without tape for sharp edges--yields a unique style characterized by vibrant colors and a flat, illustrational quality. While the works may appear straightforward, they boast subtle layers that unveil themselves upon closer inspection. The compositions often oscillate between contrasting elements, such as snakes and smiles or blouses and pears, prompting viewers to question their interpretations.
In her piece "Monitor" (2015), viewers encounter a blend of an eye, an egg, and a blouse, each element prompting varied interpretations. Similarly, "Umber" (2024) presents a giant letter "U," which could be seen as a serpent or a faceless figure, showcasing Tippit's ability to manipulate visual language. Her works encourage a playful engagement with meaning, suggesting that language--both visual and verbal--may never fully encapsulate human experience.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Rose Obsolete (2024-25), a series of 46 drawings that playfully juxtapose words in elegant cursive. These pairings mirror the visual ambiguity in her paintings, inviting viewers to draw connections and interpretations that are both nonsensical and profound. For instance, the title itself raises questions: does it reference a rare flower or a person grappling with feelings of futility?
Tippit's work is infused with a sense of mischievous eroticism and dark humor, challenging viewers to consider how elements like color, shape, and proximity can evoke complex associations. The piece "Attic" (2021) illustrates this concept by juxtaposing a rounded black form against a lighter background, evoking both drapery and fingertips depending on interpretation. In the expansive mural "Clue" (2024), the interplay of forms and colors suggests a multitude of meanings, further enriching the viewer's experience.
Rose Obsolete marks a significant milestone for Tippit, being her first solo museum exhibition. The DePaul Art Museum has been instrumental in supporting local artists, showcasing works that resonate with contemporary themes. As the art world continues to evolve, exhibitions like this not only celebrate individual creativity but also highlight the importance of artistic expression in society.
