We live in a world where nobody talks directly about topics — even when we’re talking directly about them. From sex to race to war, we systematically skirt the real conversations as much as possible for personal and social gain. “Sex, Spraypaint & Satire: Parody without Humor” will explore the dehumanizing nature of our overtly commodified culture. This will be Ray Noland’s first show upon his return from spending the past six months in North Carolina. Hosted by Grand Bizzare — a new gallery in Wicker Park located at 1418 W. Division St. Opening reception Friday, May 18, 2012 from 7pm – 11pm. Doors open at 7pm.

Ray Noland has been an urban art pioneer. Noland is a Chicago native and graduate of the School of the Art Institute. He operates the Creative Rescue Organization (CRO) and works under the same pseudonym. During the 2008 Presidential election, CRO gained national attention with his street art campaign ‘Go Tell Mama!‘ His striking images of Obama appeared throughout Chicago and across the country in the streets and alleyways. The concept was particularly interesting because of its contemporary, urban aesthetic, which proudly defied traditional campaign propaganda and stood apart from the street graffiti most of us are accustomed to seeing.

CRO followed up that campaign with a series entitled ‘Run, Blago Run!‘ As the former Governor of Illinois pleaded his innocence on television, his image started appearing on Chicago buildings. CRO began garnering national attention for his provocative and instantly recognizable imagery.

CRO draws his inspiration from contemporary political discourse. His work is particularly powerful because of the elegant manner in which it depicts serious, complicated and contentious issues, while insightfully critiquing the political culture in which we all live. The visuals are lighthearted, satirical, funny, and contentious all at the same time. All the while, he has maintained an intense focus on local, national and international politics.

We live in a world where nobody talks directly about topics — even when we’re talking directly about them. From sex to race to war, we systematically skirt the real conversations as much as possible for personal and social gain. “Sex, Spraypaint & Satire: Parody without Humor” will explore the dehumanizing nature of our overtly commodified culture. This will be Ray Noland’s first show upon his return from spending the past six months in North Carolina. Hosted by Grand Bizzare — a new gallery in Wicker Park located at 1418 W. Division St. Opening reception Friday, May 18, 2012 from 7pm – 11pm. Doors open at 7pm.

Ray Noland has been an urban art pioneer. Noland is a Chicago native and graduate of the School of the Art Institute. He operates the Creative Rescue Organization (CRO) and works under the same pseudonym. During the 2008 Presidential election, CRO gained national attention with his street art campaign ‘Go Tell Mama!‘ His striking images of Obama appeared throughout Chicago and across the country in the streets and alleyways. The concept was particularly interesting because of its contemporary, urban aesthetic, which proudly defied traditional campaign propaganda and stood apart from the street graffiti most of us are accustomed to seeing.

CRO followed up that campaign with a series entitled ‘Run, Blago Run!‘ As the former Governor of Illinois pleaded his innocence on television, his image started appearing on Chicago buildings. CRO began garnering national attention for his provocative and instantly recognizable imagery.

CRO draws his inspiration from contemporary political discourse. His work is particularly powerful because of the elegant manner in which it depicts serious, complicated and contentious issues, while insightfully critiquing the political culture in which we all live. The visuals are lighthearted, satirical, funny, and contentious all at the same time. All the while, he has maintained an intense focus on local, national and international politics.