Disconnection II: The Push Pin Show

Organized by Ruth Horwich, Douglas Philips, and Chuck Thurow, The Push Pin Show was the second in a series of four Disconnection shows. The idea originated when five artists discovered a common bond: all had received “Final Notice Prior to Disconnection” cards from assorted Chicago utilities. Disconnection I was launched as a three-day show in an empty store front next to the gas company on Milwaukee Avenue. The invitation parodied the final disconnection notice that the artists were all too familiar with. The Hyde Park Art Center took notice of the project and sponsored the later exhibitions Disconnection II, III and IV throughout 1993. Although the theme of the show was disconnection, the artists involved worked in collaborative efforts to create their work. The exhibition provided an outlet for artists to show sketches and drawings typically not shown in gallery exhibitions. The show featured figurative work ranging from complete works to pieces taken from the artist’s sketchbooks. Al pieces were mounted with push pins on the walls of Douglas Philips’ studio on the northwest side of the city. Disconnection III: “THE BIG SHOW” was held in early May of 1993. Each artist contributed one large painting of a minimum of 8 by 10 feet.