As the crispness of autumn looms over Chicago, the city is awakening with creativity—excitement fills the air as Chicago Exhibition Weekend kicks off today, with 50 art participants showcasing their talents from now through September 21. However, amidst this creative renaissance, there’s also a sense of disarray. President Trump’s alarming threat to deploy the National Guard, coupled with alarming increases in ICE raids, casts a pall over the weekend’s festivities as protesters flood the streets, demanding justice and awareness.
One thing is clear—while the art world may not possess all the answers, the act of creating is an invaluable pursuit. This sentiment is exemplified through various artists and exhibitions, including Theaster Gates, whose storytelling approach resonates deeply in these turbulent times; Destyni “Desi” Swoope, who encapsulates the idea of community as a steadfast refuge; and the outsider art displayed at Sawhorse and the Shanghai Seminary, which affirms that art is often a means of self-preservation. From exploring structural themes with Tongji Philip Qian to expressing abstract states of being akin to the Symbolists, art maintains its role as a vehicle for reflection and awareness amid adversity. So, Chicagoans, step out and immerse yourselves in this vibrant landscape.
Secondary Purpose
Sawhorse, 4222 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Through October 26
This heartwarming exhibit showcases over 80 pieces from Ray Reiss’ eclectic collection, leaning towards folk and self-taught art. Many works were sourced from thrift stores and antique shops, a notable deviation from traditional gallery acquisitions. While some pieces hail from recognized outsider artists like Mr. Imagination and Lee Godie, others remain by anonymous creators. The storytelling in this collection—adorned with playful depictions of animals and whimsical landscapes—invites visitors to sit back and truly appreciate the emotional atmospheres woven through the pieces.
The Gloaming
Western Exhibitions, 1709 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Through November 1
In The Gloaming, Journie Cirdain’s intricately crafted graphite drawings unfold narratives steeped in enchantment. Pieces like “Amends” present captivating images that blur the line between reality and mythology, depicting scenes like a woman cradled in the jaws of a wolf. Other artworks, such as “Chandelier (Dewdrops),” focus on poignant moments, transforming an ordinary spiderweb into an awe-inspiring spectacle, effectively merging the mundane with the extraordinary.
Urbanite
Weatherproof, 3336 West Lawrence Avenue, #303, Chicago, Illinois
Through November 2
In an exhilarating amalgamation of themes, “Urbanite” features photographers and sculptors Krista Beinstein and Tarik Kentouche. Beinstein’s provocative explorations into queer sexuality are countered by Kentouche’s innocent yet unsettling stuffed monkeys dressed in armored glass outfits, together shedding light on society’s contradictions. The juxtaposition of these two contrasting artistic expressions invites conversations around innocence and voyeurism, ultimately proving to be more harmonious than initially anticipated.
Sympathy Ribbon
Grunts Rare Books, 1500 South Western Avenue, Suite 403, Chicago, Illinois
Through November 9
Sympathy Ribbon brings together artists Madeline Gallucci and Margaret Crowley, entrusting them with the unsettling yet poignant theme of memory and loss. The titular piece, a vintage sympathy ribbon that speaks to the complexities of relationships, resonates with viewers on a deeply emotional level. Its delicate positioning within the gallery enriches the interplay of light and color amidst Gallucci’s layered paintings, creating an inviting reflection space for the audience.
Recent Works
Shanghai Seminary, 3262 South Morgan Street, Chicago, Illinois
Through November 22
In her latest showcase of recent works, Winifred Mason combines humor with insightful observations about modern life’s incessant din. The exhibition narrates personal stories and collective experiences through a collage and text-based approach, offering commentary on everything from viral trends to nostalgic sentiments associated with childhood. Each piece resonates with the absurdity of contemporary consumer culture, cleverly encapsulating the absurdity of our times.
Krapfen
The Renaissance Society, 5811 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Through November 23
Dive into the fantastical world of Diego Marcon in Krapfen, a delightful multimedia experience where whimsy meets unsettling narratives. The core of this installation centers on a German jam doughnut and the exaggerated demands made upon the protagonist by an operatic soundtrack, drawing parallels between childhood innocence and the pressures of adulthood. The colorful ambiance of the exhibition immerses visitors in a surreal environment, bridging the gap between reality and fantasy.
Alloyed Commitments
Logan Center Exhibitions, 915 East 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois
Through December 7
Tongji Philip Qian engages viewers in an exploration of time with Alloyed Commitments. Upon entering, observers are greeted by a wall drawing that meticulously counts the passing minutes, emphasizing the relativity and significance of time in our lives. This meditation on time culminates in Qian’s creations that reflect a profound understanding of the structures that govern our existence, portraying the delicate balance of life’s continuum.
Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Through January 5, 2026
Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination seeks to reawaken interest in the Symbolism movement of the 19th century, showcasing works that vehemently oppose rationalism. The exhibition threads together various interpretations of human emotion through stunning visuals, offering a glimpse into the mystical and at times sinister world that Symbolist artists grappled with. This exploration serves as a poignant reminder of the contemporary relevance of these themes in an era still steeped in uncertainties and existential reflections.
Theaster Gates: Unto Thee
Smart Museum of Art, 5550 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Through February 22, 2026
Theaster Gates unveils his first solo museum exhibition in Chicago, connecting with his roots in an evocative collection that emphasizes the importance of archival narratives. Incorporating historically significant materials, such as lantern slides from the University of Chicago, Gates not only pays homage to the past but also explores the struggles and triumphs of black narratives within artistic practice. This exhibition highlights the artist’s commitment to finding depth and relevance in cultural histories while engaging with the community in a meaningful dialogue.
Abuela’s House
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 West Division Street, Chicago, Illinois
Through July 18, 2026
Destyni “Desi” Swoope makes a vibrant debut that celebrates Caribbean heritage and the essential threads of intergenerational connection in Abuela’s House. Scenes depicting communal experiences, like in “Heirloom,” where hands delicately pass dominoes, embody the essence of family ties. Her mixed-media approach enriches every piece with texture and life, echoing the warmth and joy of kinship while paying homage to shared memories that shape our identities.
