As Chicago gears up for a scorching summer, the city is already feeling the heat with rising political tensions, looming public transport cuts, increasing cost of living, and relentless heat waves. Despite these challenges, Chicagoans are eager to celebrate the uniqueness of their city and envision a future beyond the struggles. Several ongoing exhibitions provide a glimpse into Chicago’s roots and diverse cultures, offering a refreshing escape and a renewed sense of belonging.
At the Intuit Art Museum, outsider art created by the city’s immigrant community takes center stage. The Chicago History Museum showcases historic protest art that inspires change, while the Logan Center preserves familial memories from the South Side. Other exhibitions explore queer existence at Wrightwood 659 and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, as well as African diasporic traditions at Mariane Ibrahim Gallery. Each exhibition offers a unique perspective on Chicago’s history and culture, leaving visitors with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration.
“Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s–70s” at the Chicago History Museum features original protest media that brings the lived realities and dreams of changemakers to the forefront. The exhibition showcases artifacts from past social movements, highlighting the emotional impact of these objects and inspiring viewers to take up Chicago’s mantle of resistance.
“Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost” at The Art Institute of Chicago presents the artist’s impossibly detailed paintings that tell an epic story with an autobiographical twist. Shaw’s meticulous technique creates a mesmerizing visual experience that invites contemplation of shared histories and distant sanctuaries.
“The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity, 1869–1939” at Wrightwood 659 examines the development of sexuality as a core facet of identity, challenging traditional notions and celebrating the diversity of LGBTQ+ existence. The exhibition showcases works that affirm queer love and relationships, offering a powerful representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Huguette Caland: Bribes de corps” at The Arts Club of Chicago features works from the 1970s that explore the artist’s own body through a charming array of colors and shapes. Caland’s art captures the sensuality and awkwardness of the physical self, inviting viewers to reflect on their own bodies and experiences.
“Christina Fernandez: Multiple Exposures” at DePaul Art Museum highlights the artist’s socially engaged photographic practice over 30 years. Fernandez’s works capture the everyday life of Chicana artists in Los Angeles, shedding light on labor histories and working conditions in the city.
“Into the Hourglass: Paño Arte from the Rudy Padilla Collection” at the National Museum of Mexican Art presents intricate pen and pencil drawings created by incarcerated Chicanos. The exhibition showcases the creative resilience of these artists and the cultural influences that shape their work.
“Thus masked, the world has a language” at Mariane Ibrahim Gallery explores African diasporic mask and masquerade traditions through the works of contemporary artists. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with layered dialogues and symbols, creating a space for embodiment, transformation, and imagination.
“City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago reinterprets the city’s motto as a celebration of queer art and activism. The exhibition traces the history of queer liberation in Chicago, showcasing the visions and voices of artists and activists who have shaped the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
“Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago” at Intuit Art Museum explores the intersection between artistic production and human geography in the city. The exhibition highlights the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Chicago, offering a glimpse into the personal stories of self-taught artists.
“The Act of Recording is an Act of Love: The South Side Home Movie Project” at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts celebrates the preservation of home movies recorded on the South Side of Chicago. The project, led by Professor Jacqueline Stewart, connects with the community and creates archives that capture the history and culture of the neighborhood.
These exhibitions offer a rich tapestry of Chicago’s history, culture, and diversity, providing a space for reflection, inspiration, and connection. As the city faces challenges, these artistic expressions serve as a reminder of the resilience and creativity that define Chicagoans. Visit these exhibitions to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago and explore the city’s past, present, and future through the lens of art and culture.
