Sunday, Aug 22, 2010    Text size: 

The gallery theme is Playboy Redux: Contemporary Artists Interpret the Iconic Playboy Bunny and debuts in Chicago on Aug. 27.

Playboy said that while several of the works from the exhibit were previously on display at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, the new show will include many new works and will allow collectors and art enthusiasts to purchase the artwork for the first time.

The gallery includes works from fine art gallery to underground artists, all invited by Playboy to use the Bunny as their cultural muse. The resultant exhibit includes a broad variety of interpretations in mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture and photography.

"The first Playboy Club opened in Chicago on Feb. 29, 1960, so we’re thrilled to bring the Bunnies back to the Windy City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Playboy Clubs and Bunnies in a fun, unique way," said Aaron Baker, curator and business development director of Playboy Art.

He added, "We've worked with the Rotofugi Gallery and 33 very talented artists to celebrate and honor the beloved Playboy Bunnies, who helped bring the Playboy brand to life."

The exhibit, which was put together by Baker, independent curator Ned West and the Rotofugi Gallery team, features works from a diverse group of artists, including: Josh "Shag" Agle, Jennybird Alcantara, Scott Anderson, Glenn Barr, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, R. Black, Ain Cocke, Brian Ewing, Brendan Fernandes, Rod Filbrandt, Jeremy Fish, Mike Giant, Ludovica Gioscia, Ken Keirns, Jeremiah Ketner, Jeremy Kost, Frank Kozik, Travis Lampe, Bob Masse, Tara McPherson, Hiroki Otsuka, Lisa Petrucci, Mark "Atomos" Pilon, Bonni Reid, Isabel Samaras, Seth Scriver, Andrew Schoultz, Steve Seeley, Jeremy Tinder, Michelle Valigura, Saya Woolfalk and O Zhang.

The exhibit will open on Aug. 27 at 7:00 p.m. with a Playboy party at the Rotofugi Gallery located at 2780 N. Lincoln Avenue.

The company said Playboy Playmate and Chicago native Crystal McCahill will be on hand to kick off the party where guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase the art and take photos with McCahill.

Admission to the event is open to the public and free of charge.

Additional information can be found here.