Jason Lazarus has come full circle since he staged a picture of himself pouring gasoline on the MCA steps in 2005. Back then, the Columbia College MFA grad didn’t have the connections to secure permission, so he simply showed up on a holiday weekend (“Less bodies,” he says) and hoped security wouldn’t kick him off the premises. A year later, the MCA displayed that shot as part of its up-and-comers series 12 x 12—a perfect allegory for the growing recognition Lazarus is receiving for his intimate and self-conscious photographs. The 35-year-old, who likes to involve the public in his work, opens an exhibition at Andrew Rafacz Gallery in September that resurrects the theme of steps: An oversize staircase will consume the West Loop space. Lazarus says he hopes to “push people into connection with each other.” As a catalyst for conversation, he will furnish the installation with chairs.

GO Andrew Rafacz Gallery shows work by Jason Lazarus from Sept. 9–Oct. 15. 835 W. Washington Blvd.; 312-404-9188, andrewrafacz.com

Photograph: Courtesy of the artist and Andrew Rafacz Gallery (Chicago)