Joseph Hladik's "There and Back (and Back Again")

The Addison Center for the Arts was excited to announce "There and Back (and Back Again)," a solo exhibition featuring the mixed media works of Joseph Hladik. Running from January 10 to February 17, 2024, the exhibition included a public artist reception on January 13, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm.


Joseph Hladik is known for blending various mediums and styles into evocative art. Trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions, merging traditional techniques with modern concepts.

"We are thrilled to host Joseph Hladik's solo exhibition at the Addison Center for the Arts," said Communications Director Julie Mars. "His work exudes a young, tactile, and lighthearted charisma, drawing viewers into a nostalgic reverie."

Hladik's solo show, "There and Back (and Back Again)," invited art enthusiasts on an evocative trip down Memory Lane, weaving mementos and emotionally charged ephemera into his sculptures.

"As an artist and storyteller, I explore connections between identity, memories, and shared experiences. Nostalgia anchors my work, encouraging nuanced perceptions of the past. I aim to create art that is both familiar and unexpected, challenging our understanding of self," says Hladik.

The exhibition featured a captivating collection exploring the intricate relationship between time, memory, and physical objects. Using familiar materials and playful compositions, Hladik invited viewers to reflect on their own experiences and consider nostalgia's role in shaping identity.

Joseph Hladik, an artist and educator based in the Chicagoland area, graduated from the University of Missouri and holds a Master of Art in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.