May Lincoln Arts Institute features works of Chicago artist Kyle Riley, “Collapse Rome on Your Own”

[May 20, 2022]   The Lincoln Arts Institute May exhibit features the works of Chicago artist Kyle Riley who looks at the state of our country and our world with a tongue in cheek attitude of take what you’re given and make the best of it.

Riley says that the title of the exhibit has a meaning intended to send a message that we should all have fun and not take life too seriously. He says, “The world is messed up, but you have to forge on, and that is the message of Collapse Rome on Your own.”

Within the LAI gallery this month visitors will find a collection of works that are unique, even to the extent that they have very little in common with one another, yet each one is entertaining.

Being from Chicago, Riley has a lot of resources at his disposal for his works. He said that much of what he uses are items he has ‘collected” and turned into something new.

An example of this is the 2,500 bottle caps that make up the outer shell of the large walking man statue on display in the middle of the room.



Riley also has an interest in mid-century history and one of his displays at the gallery is made up of a collection of newspapers from the 1960’s that include many headlines revolving around the assignation of JFK, astronauts walking on the moon, and the civil rights movement.

At the exhibit opening on May 12th, many of the guests spent a lot of time studying the newspapers, as they bring back an era in our history that was tragic. At the same time, the papers exemplify Riley’s theme, as it was a time of devastation but also a time when America had to pick itself up, brush itself off, and start over, moving forward to find the positive.



Riley says he has no formal training in art, but he just sees what he sees and turns it into something new. An example of this is one of his favorite works on display. The piece is made up of old store awnings he has come across and it has no real theme, just fun colors and images that make a person smile.

Riley’s works will be on display at the Lincoln Arts Institute through June 3rd. The LAI is open each Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The LAI will be open this Friday evening during the first Third Friday Downtown Lincoln of the season. For the event this Friday night there will also be local artisans outside the institute with displays and products for sale.

Be sure to check it all out.

[Nila Smith]