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Lorna Marsh's 'Cage Paintings' Exhibition at Aldo Castillo Gallery Confronts Trauma and Repression

exhibition · 2026-04-22

The Aldo Castillo Gallery in Chicago is hosting Lorna Marsh's exhibition titled 'Cage Paintings' from October 17 to November 15, 2003. This collection showcases powerful artworks that explore themes of trauma and social repression, presenting a stark contrast to the ironic detachment often seen in post-9/11 American art. Marsh's pieces feature images of caged animals and restricted female figures, symbolizing societal confinement. Her vigorous paint application reveals the 'dirty underbelly' of society. Notably, the exhibit includes 'Woman With Her Head in a Box,' which critiques the acceptance of oppressive roles by women. Previous series, such as 'Africa Within' and 'Birds of Prey,' also utilized animal imagery, reflecting Marsh's narrative focus on women's experiences in South African society and the resilience found in marginalization.

Key facts

  • Exhibition titled 'Cage Paintings' by Lorna Marsh
  • Held at Aldo Castillo Gallery in Chicago, IL
  • Ran from October 17 to November 15, 2003
  • Addresses trauma and social repression in South Africa
  • Features caged animals and constrained female figures
  • Contrasts with mainstream American art post-9/11
  • Marsh avoids postmodern distancing devices
  • Draws parallels to German Expressionists and Eastern European animation

Entities

Artists

  • Lorna Marsh
  • William Kentridge
  • Marlene Dumas
  • Peter Plagen

Institutions

  • Aldo Castillo Gallery
  • Newsweek

Locations

  • Chicago
  • United States
  • South Africa
  • Germany
  • Eastern Europe

Sources