For better or worse, the American indie-rock touring circuit is clogged with fabled acts celebrating some kind of anniversary. But a nostalgia trip wasn’t what multidisciplinary Chicago artist Tim Kinsella had in mind for Joan of Arc, the band he fronts, which is often categorized as “indie rock” even though it’s deeply experimental in practice. So how does a group that makes what Kinsella describes as “music for no audience” ring in two decades of existence? With a visual-arts show: “JOA20,” opening June 4 at Elastic Arts.
The stylistically broad collection reminds me of what Kinsella writes about Joan of Arc in his program essay: “We are all free at every moment, together and alone, to throw away any and every part of our own pasts that no longer serve us. And now our own tastes, emerging collectively, were the only relevant standard.” v
Opening reception Sat 6/4, 7-10 PM Through 8/19, concerts every Tuesday, 6/21-8/16, 8 PM Elastic Arts 3429 W. Diversey 773-772-3616elasticarts.org Free
