Many unfamiliar flags have been flying over Chicago during the World Cup season, but the most unusual two were made right here by artist Stephen Velky. His renditions of the American flag and the gay pride rainbow flag may at first look comfortably familiar. But as their bumpy texture and sickeningly sweet smell attest, these flags are made of chewed gum. In replicating these symbols of collectivity in such a personal medium, Velky has created a pair of deadpan works that explore our ambivalent feelings about their fabric counterparts.
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World’s Largest Chewed Gum Pride Flag is included in the “Salon des Refuses,” the first show at the Thorne Gallery and Performance Space, 1144 N. Milwaukee. The group show is up through August 14. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, noon to 5, and by appointment. Call 486-1144 for details.
