From April 9 to 12, EXPO CHICAGO will return to Navy Pier, showcasing an impressive array of galleries, site-specific projects, engaging talks, and diverse programming throughout the city. This week marks a vibrant celebration for the Chicago art community, and we are thrilled to highlight the artists we are eagerly anticipating!
1. Aliza Nisenbaum at Anton Kern and Regan Projects
Known for her striking portraiture, Aliza Nisenbaum will present smaller works that reflect her larger mural project, "Reading Circles/Weaving Dreams/Seeding Futures," created for the Obama Presidential Center. Her use of bold colors brings her subjects to life.
2. Tawny Chatmon at Galerie Myrtis
Tawny Chatmon's latest portraits, displayed at Galerie Myrtis, combine photography with intricate embroidery, showcasing her unique approach to art and craft.
3. Maya Fuji at Charlie James
Maya Fuji's series, Slice of Life, draws inspiration from mid-2000s manga, depicting serene moments of daily life through vibrant and calming paintings.
4. LaKela Brown at 56 Henry
LaKela Brown will showcase her monochromatic sculptures, exploring themes of ethnobotany and Black culture in America, using materials like polyurethane to create striking representations of familiar foods.
5. Gerard Mas at Ting Ting Art Space
Gerard Mas continues to captivate with his playful sculptures, presenting spirited figures that embody humor and contemporary relevance.
6. Rhama Lhoussig at dmincubator
Rhama Lhoussig's work merges abstraction with magical realism, featuring vivid domestic scenes filled with whimsical elements like stuffed animals and flowers, reflecting a dynamic creative process.
7. Dee Clements with Mindy Solomon
Dee Clements, a Chicago native, will present a collection of still-life paintings framed in hand-woven materials, complemented by mixed-media sculptures and abstract tapestries.
As EXPO CHICAGO 2026 approaches, the spotlight on these talented artists promises to inspire and invigorate the art scene, showcasing the transformative power of creativity and culture.