A must-see exhibition that showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary painting, ‘The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020’ celebrates innovation and pushes the boundaries of what we consider ‘painting’.
A Celebration of Innovation in Painting
From smoky eyes to Super Mario, this exhibition is a reminder that painting—particularly when loosely defined—still slaps.
The medium of painting has flourished under its relative irrelevance in recent decades, and “The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020” at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago celebrates this phenomenon. The exhibition collects the work of over sixty diverse artists from around the world who have redefined painting using emerging technologies, imaging techniques, and their own bodies.
The Evolution of Painting
The inclusion of Cory Arcangel’s Super Mario Clouds (2002), a hacked cartridge that removes all characters and violence from the original Nintendo game, highlights the legitimate craftsmanship behind pixel art. Thomas Bayrle’s computer-generated works from the 1960s and 1970s demonstrate that people appreciated pixels before Generation X. These artists have pushed the boundaries of what painting can be, often incorporating technology into their work.
Unconventional Approaches
The exhibition features a range of unconventional works, including Gerhard Richter‘s New York (1989), which is oil on photograph and resembles a hand-crafted version of the Photoshop clone tool. John Baldessari’s film Six Colorful Inside Jobs (1977) coats a room in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet using a hired painter shot from above. These works showcase the artist’s history of painting their landlord father’s apartments and hit differently in an era where prices are skyrocketing for homes—and sometimes for paintings, too.
Contemporary Perspectives
The inclusion of Sarah Sze’s work, which paints with household objects, adds a unique perspective to the exhibition. Cynthia Daignault’s canvases from At Picture Lake (2017) feature perfect, almost photorealistic depictions of nature scenes. Jamian Juliano-Villani’s Historical Editing (2022) is a colonial-era portrait-cum-1980s magazine advertisement that features Drake. Gina Beavers’ De noche (2015) follows the painting of a smoky eye in comic book panels, from compact to finished product.
A Culture’s Greatest Illusion
The exhibition seems to imply that painting is not only a thriving medium but also our culture’s greatest illusion. The strongest newer work might be Gina Beavers’, which showcases her unique style and technique. “The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020” is on view at the MCA Chicago through March 16, 2025, offering a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of painting in the digital age.
The Future of Painting
This exhibition is a reminder that painting—particularly when loosely defined—still slaps. It celebrates innovation and pushes the boundaries of what we consider “painting.” As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how artists incorporate these new mediums into their work. For now, “The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020” is a must-see exhibition that showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary painting.
The Art of Experimentation
The inclusion of various technologies and imaging techniques in this exhibition highlights the art of experimentation. Artists are constantly seeking new ways to express themselves, and “The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020” is a testament to their ingenuity. From pixel art to comic book panels, each work showcases the artist’s unique perspective and style.
A Celebration of Diversity
This exhibition celebrates diversity in its selection of artists and works. Over sixty diverse artists from around the world are represented, showcasing the breadth and depth of contemporary painting. The inclusion of artists like Sarah Sze and Gina Beavers adds a unique perspective to the exhibition, highlighting the ways in which technology can be used to create new and innovative works.
A Must-See Exhibition
“The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020” is a must-see exhibition that showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary painting. With its diverse selection of artists and works, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of painting in the digital age. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the art of innovation and experimentation up close.
