Audrey Niffenegger's Visual and Literary Worlds Converge in Chicago Exhibition and Bestselling Novel

Chicago-based artist Audrey Niffenegger's first novel "The Time Traveler's Wife" reached #9 on the New York Times bestseller list after its September 2003 release by MacAdam/Cage. Simultaneously, her exhibition "Ferocious Bon Bons" opened at Printworks Gallery in Chicago, showcasing drawings that reflect her two-decade visual art practice. Niffenegger's work consistently explores surrealism and impossible premises, connecting her visual books "The Adventuress" and "The Three Incestuous Sisters" with her novel through themes of separated lovers and paranormal elements. The artist cites Remedios Varo, Max Ernst, Charlotte Salomon, Goya, and Aubrey Beardsley as key influences. Her 120-etching visual book "The Three Incestuous Sisters" demonstrates her technical dedication to aquatint and etching. Niffenegger identifies with Chicago's distinctive art scene, influenced by Franz Schulze's book "Fantastic Images" and its articulation of Chicago art's narrative, surrealist basis. The novel is being developed into a screenplay by Brad Pitt's and Jennifer Aniston's production company. Niffenegger describes her work as examining time's elusive nature and encouraging presence and awareness, rejecting utopian promises while exploring emotional realities through fantasy realism.