UICA is proud to announce that we will be exhibiting work by internationally acclaimed artist, Chris Jordan, for ArtPrize 2010. Jordan's main piece for ArtPrize, entitled Gyre, is a 8-foot by 11-foot photograph which depicts a wave made from 2.4 million pieces of plastic, equal to the estimated number of pounds of plastic pollution that enters the world's oceans every hour. Jordan is a cultural activist whose work explores the frightening waste of our mass culture. His compelling, intricately detailed photographs reveal the staggering weight of statistics, inviting the viewer to see every detail as a metaphor for the role of the individual in our hypermodern society. Chris Jordan’s work is exhibited widely in the US and Europe, and has been featured in print, online, film, and television all over the globe. He has exhibited and spoken about his work in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. You can view his work at www.chrisjordan.com.

For ArtPrize 2010, UICA will serve as an installation site as well as enhance the event with hands-on experiences and educational programs. During ArtPrize 2009, UICA presented the work of over 75 artists from around the world at two of the most admired venues. We also offered innovative artist talks, such as Slide Wars and the popular Brunch and Banter series, as well as a public forum to discuss ArtPrize’s Top 10, in our Critical Discourse: Battle of the Top Ten event.