CHICAGO.- The theater of life provides a remarkable show. Ordinary settings with dramatic flare frame the photographs of August’s UBS 12 x 12 New Artists/New Work exhibition. Artist Greg Stimac gives the viewer a glimpse into the world of another with six thought-provoking images revealing the haunting familiarity of American customs and lifestyles, opening at First Fridays on August 3 and running through September 2 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago.

Traveling across the United States, Stimac captures the spirit and character of the people he encounters. Although he rarely stages his shots, Stimac thoroughly considers the setting and situation to illustrate a special point in time. Often using nature as a backdrop, Stimac allows the viewer to feel part of the moment as if they have stumbled upon a private juncture.

Interested in suburban life and documenting the universal activities of its inhabitants, Stimac captures domestic settings such as tending the lawn in Oak Lawn, Illinois from the “Mowing the Lawn” series and American gun recreation displayed in Untitled from the “Recoil” series. The images reveal the intense care and theatrical presentation of these ordinary tasks. Badlands, South Dakota, displays a scenic landscape with a group of tourists that mill about as one of their own, unbeknown to them, struggles to climb up the cliff after slipping. Arizona from the “Bottle of Piss” series portrays a roadside landscape spoiled by a discarded, urine-filled water bottle showing human disregard for nature. Untitled from the “Campfire” series and Untitled from the “Snowman” series are reminiscent of childhood experiences, simple and pure.

Stimac received his BA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago in 2005. He leads a tour of his exhibition on Tuesday, August 14, at 6:30 pm. Celebrating the last of the seven deadly sins, “sloth” is the theme for August’s First Fridays. The MCA invites guests to relax with chair massages, make-up touch ups, and beauty samples from Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa. DJ Josh Werner of Chicago’s Empathy Boxx is the musical guest, Lululemon Athletica offers Guerilla Yoga, and Teuscher provides chocolate treats. The evening continues with an after party at Lumen at 839 West Fulton Market. Tickets for First Fridays include museum admission and complimentary Puck’s hors d’oeuvres, and are available the evening of the event for $15 ($7 for MCA members). Advance tickets are $10 ($7 MCA members) available through the MCA Box Office at 312.397.4010 or www.ticketweb.com. Doors are open from 6-10 pm. A cash bar is open until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.