As Colossal prepares to show 15 this 12 months, we’ve been considering lots about what it means to be a part of a artistic group. Over the last decade and a half, we’ve spoken with hundreds of artists, designers, and makers and cultivated an unlimited community of buddies and colleagues across the globe. Publishing has been one of many best joys of our lives and demonstrated time and again how artwork can join us all.
We’re extremely excited to share that we’re increasing our footprint proper right here in our residence of Chicago. Our new artwork gallery, Pleasure Machine, opens on February 21.
A 12 months within the making, Pleasure Machine is constructed across the perception that amid deep uncertainty and upheaval, pleasure turns into an indispensable gateway to hope. As we navigate this extremely troublesome time, we’re occupied with coming collectively to broaden our energy to really feel and course of experiences good and dangerous.
Our first exhibition, Gentle Preserver, options 9 artists who domesticate and ritualize pleasure by means of humor, nostalgia, vibrancy, and pleasure for brand new prospects. Whether or not reflecting on childhood enjoyable or invoking artwork’s capacity to rescue us from melancholy, every artist faucets into our shared humanity—to not evade troublesome realities however to search out which means and goal amid chaos. On this method, pleasure turns into an important antidote to despair and a basic lifeline to maintain us all afloat.
Gentle Preserver options work by many artists you’re most likely accustomed to, together with Moises Salazar, David Heo, Liz Flores, Peter Frederiksen, Danym Kwon, Lisa Congdon, Michael McGrath, Jeff Rubio, and Abi Castillo.
Colossal will proceed publishing independently because it at all times has, and when Pleasure Machine’s tasks match Colossal’s mission, we’ll you’ll want to share them with you all right here.
In the event you’re in Chicago, please be a part of us to have fun Pleasure Machine’s opening on February 21. You’ll be able to observe the gallery on Instagram, and join the publication on the web site.



