To the editor:
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If nothing else, Kimler has made a career out of bamboozling credulous Reader staffers. A few years ago you reported Kimler was leaving for Los Angeles because Chicago was such a horrible place for artists. He denounced everyone in sight, stormed off, and returned 18 months later with his tail between his legs. Now he’s attacking Paul Klein and plans to have Important Conversations with Special Friends in the privacy of his studio. He should feel free–as long as he does not share his opinions with us!
Paul Klein wants to raise money for a Chicago art museum, which is unnecessary and impractical. We already have the Art Institute, which has exhibited numerous Chicago photographers, both contemporary and historic. We have a Museum of Contemporary Photography that shows work by Chicago and midwestern photographers. We have the Cultural Center, which has shown Chicago artists at all levels–long-established ones like Ruth Duckworth and many young on the way up.
If someone wants to boost the Chicago art community, they should start a local art magazine. If they have any money left after that, they should work through existing institutions to sponsor historic Chicago shows and presentations of contemporary work. This is doable–all that’s needed is lots and lots of money.
