Two Artists Consider How Chicago Shapes Its Youth in 'World in My Eyes'

"World in My Eyes is, first and foremost, rooted in the lives of everyday people. Both Sentrock and Mahaffey have long depicted friends and neighbors in their own Chicago neighborhoods, exploring how our city shapes its youngest residents. How are children cared for? How are their imaginations and dreams nurtured? These questions recur throughout both artists' practices and always hinge on another: how do children thrive amid turmoil, whether political, cultural, or personal?"

"In World in My Eyes, Sentrock's signature bird character meets Mahaffey's energetic cast. Each artist confronts an underlying struggle—whether an unrealized dream or a physical need—not through an unrealistic swaddle of optimism but rather through the often-repeated idea that hope is a practice. For children, and for all of us seeking a better tomorrow, hope starts with courage."

World in My Eyes is a duo exhibition at Joy Machine featuring Chicago artists Kayla Mahaffey and Joseph Perez (Sentrock). The work centers on everyday people and neighbors, focusing on how the city shapes its youngest residents. Both artists depict children’s care, imaginative development, and the conditions that enable or impede thriving. Sentrock's signature bird character interacts with Mahaffey's energetic figures to embody recurring struggles such as unrealized dreams and physical needs. The artists reject naïve optimism and instead present hope as an active practice grounded in courage. An opening reception is scheduled for January 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.; RSVP information is provided.

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