CHICAGO, IL.- In the spirit of scavenger hunt games, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago, offers a new approach to audience engagement by presenting art from the MCA collection that is intended to be actively sought out in Hide and Seek, on view through November 13, 2009. The works are positioned outside of the galleries in unexpected locations -- such as in the staircase, Puck’s Café, or atrium floor -- to challenge viewers’ expectations and ideas of what art is and where it can be placed. Visitorshave unexpected encounters with works of art that appear "hidden" in plain view throughout the MCA. A guide at the admissions desk offers a series of clues to assist with locating the art.

In this exhibit, the MCA encourages the viewer to reconsider what defines a work of art. When visitors first enter the building they may engage with artist Tino Sehgal's conceptual work. A work by Jene Highstein that relates to nature can be found in the sculpture garden, while several works in the stairwell by Ellen Rothenberg play with directions. Two of the works -- by Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Mathilde ter Heijne -- allow visitors to take parts away with them. Chicago artist Stephanie Brooks' Untitled (Gut Feeling/Gut Reaction) incorporates emotional reactions on an acrylic sign to subvert the text one anticipates seeing on a daily basis and her Untitled (Crayons) interactive work in Puck’s Café.