Nevada native displays his art work in Chicago venue

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

Chicago artist James McNeill Mesplé, a Nevada native, retains a fondness for his old hometown, even after 40 years away. Mesplé has a solo exhibit at the Printworks Gallery in Chicago, now through June 30.

Kelly Bradham, longtime sports editor for the Nevada Daily Mail, recalled that Mesplé was unique in the class of 1966.

"The class of 1966 was pretty wild," Bradham said. "Mesplé was different. You never saw him around like you would other people. He was pretty much a loner."

In a press release Mesplé said he still missed his birthplace.

"I still miss the Ozarks after all my years in Chicago," Mesplé said. "My best wishes to all."

Mesplé has a series of 21 paintings highlighting Venus, goddess of love and Iris, goddess of color. In the catalog for the exhibit Mesplé explains his choice of subjects.

"The ancient myths, which ask us to think about human frailty and the problems we have with pride, humility, love and hate, greed, anger, and revenge have remained unsolved throughout the centuries. Perhaps Venus, who promotes love between humans, and Iris, who allows all the different colors to shine forth together, have always provided a symbol of hope and renewal."

Mesplé said a trip to Athens inspired him.

I traveled to Greece some years ago, primarily to see the great classic works in the museums of Athens," Mesplé said. "These works and myths associated with them have held my interest since childhood. Athens provided me more than I had expected. I became equally fascinated by the numerous collections of Byzantine and Medieval icons. My interest was not in the subject matter but in the way they were painted and, more important, the way they were presented."

Mesplé's works are presented in mats and frames that echo the colors of the paintings through the use of semiprecious stones; agate, carnelian, lapis lazuli and quartz.

A full-color catalogue is available from www.printworkschicago.com.