An exhibition celebrates self-taught immigrant artist shaping Chicago – Huge
Chicago is built on the traditional homeland of Sok, Fox and Potawatomi, and is a city of immigrants. Just 13 years after the city was founded in 1837, more than half of its residents were born overseas, flocking to the region from Europe and Asia, and thousands of others. Today, Chicago is home to 1.7 million immigrants, accounting for 18% of the population.
The inaugural exhibition of the newly renovated Intuit Museum of Art celebrates the history through 22 artists associated with the city. Consisting of 75 works across media Catalyst: IM/Immigration and Self-Teaching Art in Chicago Highlight those who work in the Midwest and build practices outside the traditional art world model.
Intuit is a long-time champion of self-taught artists. Founded in 1991, the museum recognizes the incredible creative contributions of people operating outside the mainstream due to economic, social or geographical reasons.
One such artist is Henry Darger, who worked as a hospital custodian during the day and produced a large number of drawings, watercolors and tailorings that were discovered only after his death. While Darger’s work is now available for sale at a high six-digit price, his story is unique. Historically, self-taught artists often do not gain critical or financial recognition for their peers who have traditionally trained.
catalyst At a particularly relevant moment in the United States, as immigration faces increasing threats. In collaboration with a wide range of themes and methods, the exhibition creates a modern tapestry to understand the people who have shaped the Chicago cultural landscape since the mid-20th century. The show intends to emphasize that “artists should receive more attention while raising questions about access to the art world and how art is defined and valued.”
Among them are four impeccable detailed paintings by Drossos P. Skyllas (1912-1973), an artist known for his charming surreal portraits. Charles Barbarena has a similar dedication in his portraits. The Nicaraguan artist created linocut, an example of trauma and adversity in the form of elaborate floral patterns, his portrayal of people who constantly exploit their compassion and resistance.
Discovery of objects and mixed media sculptures are also prominent. For example, Charles Warner’s towering miniature cathedral by Charles Warner explains the sacred space of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and soft paint. There is also the symbolic gathering of Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves Ruiz, who carved the Statue of Liberty. Piloto’s toes “in the name of progress” are bound by the feet of soil and debris, complicating the symbol of freedom.
catalyst As of January 11, 2026.
