Vertical Gallery presents Let Love Lead the Way, an exhibit of paintings by British artist Word To Mother. Created in the artist's seaside side studio over the course of two years, Let Love Lead the Way examines the virtue of a positive mindset and celebrates moments of happiness and kindness through the lens of primitive characters inspired by 1930's cartoons.

"Let Love Lead the Way underlines the progression and maturity of WTM’s work," says Patrick Hull, Vertical Gallery owner and founder. “These paintings are very positive, very optimistic and very playful. I think it’s critical for art to play a role in fostering positivity, and I know people will be able to feel the joy that Word To Mother is bringing to Chicago.”

Let Love Lead the Way is split into two bodies, salvaged pieces and layered paintings, and features cartoon animals united by a shared spirit of perseverance and positivity. A range of textures and objects, including rusted metal surfaces and vintage wooden patinas, provide a perfect backdrop for the artist’s menagerie of characters, which are completed with a limited palette and minimal use of gold leaf. Gestural marks and illustrative layers form the surface, as WTM's singular linework explores the optimism and joy that the character forms express.

Word To Mother's solo exhibition, Let Love Lead The Way, opens October 5th, with an opening reception from 6 to 9 pm, and is on view through October 26, 2019.