Art Exhibit: The Sound Barriers Vol. 4 @ Definition Theatre

In a world dominated by smart devices and streaming, the boombox is overlooked. Music is more intimate when shared—hence the sound barriers. Presented alongside "How We Got On" by Definition Theatre The Sound Barriers Vol. 4 at Definition Theatre An Art Installation by John Vergara - September 14-24, 2026 at Definition Theatre, 1160 E 55th. St Learn more: definitiontheatre.org/shows/tsb-v4 The exhibit is open Monday-Thursday’s from 5-9p from Monday, September 14- Thursday, Sept 24. You may arrive at any time during your selected timeslot. - About the Installation Chicago-based artist John Vergara time travels via boomboxes, the ultimate muse. In 1980’s Chicago, Vergara was immersed in hip-hop, funk, and house music. Sharing and mixing music. Playing until the neighbors complained. Walking around with a pocket full of cassettes, the iPod’s predecessors. Boomboxes are vintage status symbols that helped define a decade. In a world now dominated by smart devices and music streaming sites, the boombox is overlooked. Still, music is more intimate when shared—hence the sound barriers. The people presented in the paintings live here in Chicago, with some originally from New York, New Orleans, Detroit, and Miami. Vergara’s vibrant brushstrokes, paint splatters, and graffiti work embody the movement of sound. His cityscape photographs embody a lively party scene we call home. His portraits present music as a life form accompanying each person. About the Artist John Vergara has had a passion for art since the age of 7. Growing up in Chicago urban art served as a survival tactic, helping him overcome neighborhood challenges. A desire to cope marked the beginning of Vergara’s journey with mural art. Over the years, he has had the honor of collaborating with leading artists in the world of muralism. Vergara is proficient in acrylic painting, having created more than 200 public works, and he has recently been exploring the world of digital photography. For 20+ years, he has curated art shows, including both solo and collective art exhibitions, in the Chicago area. Apart from creating, Vergara is an advocate for the protection and preservation of historical public art. While being interviewed for various local media outlets, Vergara often discusses the issue of concealed murals. These discussions have helped lead to the City of Chicago Mural Registry, an organization safeguarding communal artwork for the city of Chicago. Follow Vergara and his journey @johntheartist1973.