In this milestone episode of Bad at Sports, we welcome back Scott Speh, the founder and director of Western Exhibitions, to celebrate 20 years of the gallery’s existence and its significant role in shaping the Chicago art scene. It’s been 19 years since Scott’s last appearance on the show, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the journey of Western Exhibitions, its impact on the city’s art landscape, and the evolving nature of the gallery’s programming..
In this episode of Bad at Sports, we sit down with Chicago-based artist and sculptor Betsy Odom, whose work uniquely blends high craftsmanship with intentional moments when the craft fails. Odom’s sculptures often serve as playful critiques of mass cultural phenomena, gendered objects, and sporting culture, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and conceptually layered.
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In this episode, we explore Ours Is The Hand That Sews Time, a two-person exhibition at M. LeBlanc featuring new work by father and son, Peter and Jake Fagundo. Both artists challenge the notion of painting as a finished product, instead embracing it as a continuous, evolving process.
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In this episode, the Bad at Sports crew heads to the Center for MAD Culture to dive into the powerful intersection of art and mental health. They sit down with the Center’s current featured artist, Meghann Sottile, and Director Matt Bodett to explore what it means to embrace “MAD culture” and the crucial role that madness plays in shaping our broader cultural landscape.
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Eric Von Haynes is a Chicago-based artist, printmaker, and community organizer. He founded Flatlands Press, a print studio that creates art objects and printed ephemera for artists worldwide, with a focus on community engagement. His work blends traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques, creating unique monoprints that invite viewers to reflect on time and memory. Haynes’ work is characterized by his use of slow media, non-repeating patterns, and an emphasis on process-driven art.
This week on Bad at Sports Duncan MacKenzie and Amy Kligman check in with Sean Nash! Thanks to the glory of the Charlotte Street Foundation.
Sean Nash is a visual artist whose work often intersects with fermentation, social practice, and ecological themes. His projects integrate fermented foods into sculptures and exhibitions, exploring the cultural and biological aspects of fermentation. Nash has exhibited at various venues including the Kniznick Gallery at Brandeis, Plug Projects in Kansas City, and Black Ball Projects in Brooklyn.