Clocking In at the Office With Don't Fret
WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Chicago-based artist Don’t Fret about his new pop-up exhibit OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT.
LISTEN
“It changed a lot very quickly. I say this to my assistants and younger artists, it’s a very dangerous game to play when you start judging how good a work of art is, based on how many likes it got.” - Don’t Fret talking about Instagram’s impact on street art and art in general.
Some of the pieces in OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
An empty Chicago office, that was once filled with workers, will instead serve as an quasi-immersive gallery space for a new exhibit from renowned street artist Don’t Fret. The exhibit, titled OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT, offers a humorous look at the realities of life in and out of the office during a pandemic.
Check out some fake magazines in OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Don’t Fret’s interest in graffiti started at a young age growing up in the Wicker Park neighborhood. He doesn’t remember where his artist name came from, but he’s chosen to keep his anonymity throughout his career. Don’t Fret keeps his real name under wraps and has never been photographed for the media. But his artist name is well-known in Chicago’s street art and gallery communities. Earlier this summer, Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events commissioned him to create a large project on the city’s Riverwalk. The installation, titled THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, debuted in August. Located at the Riverwalk’s most western point, (between Lake St. and N Franklin St.), the installation features 55 portraits of Chicagoans that represent the best of the city.
Don’t Fret’s latest project, OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT, takes a humorous approach to exploring life in and out of the office in 2020. Visitors who enter 1412 W. Belmont will find a deserted office space filled with desks, phones and new pieces of Don’t Fret art. People who are interested in “leasing” the office are encouraged to call (872) 216-6781.
Outside 1412 W. Belmont the site of OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
