REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PRESENT

with Rita Grendze, curated by Director of Schingoethe Center, Natasha Ritsma, PhD  

Schingoethe Center at Aurora University

September 13, - December 9, 2022  

 

 

 

This exciting opportunity to present my work at the Aurora University came after an invitation from Dr. Natasha Ritsma, Director of Schingoethe Center at Aurora University. 

Dr. Ritsma and I met on the cusp of the pandemic when she visited my solo exhibition at Waubonsee College in early 2020. During a later visit to my studio, Dr. Ritsma mentioned her interest in showing my work at Schingoethe. The concept for the exhibition evolved as a dialogue between my work and the work of Rita Grendze, a fellow artist and a good friend.

Rita and I have known each other for over a decade. When we met we were both resident artists at Water Street Studios (local art center in Batavia, IL). The two of us had many, many conversations revolving around art and our own art practices. Apart from mutual studio visits and already exhibiting together in several group exhibitions, there are some interesting connecting threads to our experiences.

Both of us have a strong interest in the making process and the inherent qualities of our materials. We both create with a deep sense of emotionality; be it reflected in our work at times as contemplative, or bold. Finally, our practices are on a deep level shaped and influenced by our multiculturalisms; Rita's Latvian parents immigrated after the WWII, and strong cultural ties with the Latvian community have always been an integral part of Rita's life. I moved to the US from Croatia in my mid-twenties, and find myself learning every day about settling in a new country as an adult.

The final concept for the exhibition "Remembrance of Things Present" came together as a dialogue between Dr. Ritsma, Rita and me, through many meetings, discussions and ideas exchanged. Throughout the course of the exhibit Rita and had the opportunity to present our work, through several artist talks and tours, as well as student workshops, and it is exciting to know this exhibition was toured by several hundred UA students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.

(from the introduction by Schingeothe's Director, Natasha Ritsma:

 "Ana Žanić and Rita Grendze create process-driven abstract work that is poetic, playful, and evocative.

Inspired by literature, material exploration and meditative practices, their works in the exhibition explore the themes of migration, memory, language and nature of beauty.

Grendze creates installations, sculptures and drawings that are bold, colorful, and tactile as well as thoughtful and compassionate at its core.

Žanić is known for her stunning watercolors and ceramics which are meditative, contemplative, and ethereal.")