\n<\/p>\n
Built on the traditional homeland of the Sauk,\u00a0Fox, and Potawatomi peoples, Chicago is a city of immigrants. Just 13 years after the city was incorporated in 1837, more than half<\/a> of its residents were born overseas, having flocked to the region from across Europe and Asia alongside tens of thousands of others. Today, Chicago is home to 1.7 million immigrants<\/a>, totaling 18 percent of the population.<\/p>\nThe inaugural exhibition at the newly renovated Intuit Art Museum<\/a> celebrates this history by bringing together 22 artists with ties to the city. Comprised of 75 works across mediums, Catalyst: Im\/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago<\/em> highlights those who worked in the Midwest and established their practice outside the traditional art world models.<\/p>\nCarlos Barberena, born Granada, Nicaragua, 1972, \u201cExodus\u201d (2019), linocut on HW Rives paper, edition of 25, 24 x 19 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIntuit is a longstanding champion of self-taught artists. Established in 1991, the museum has recognized the incredible creative contributions of those operating outside the mainstream due to economic, societal, or geographic reasons. <\/p>\nOne such artist is Henry Darger<\/a>, who worked as a hospital custodian by day and produced an enormous collection of drawings, watercolor paintings, and cut paper works only discovered after his death. While Darger\u2019s works now sell for prices in the high six figures, his story is unique. Historically, self-taught artists don\u2019t often attain the critical or financial recognition of their traditionally trained peers.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> comes at a particularly relevant moment in the U.S., as immigrants are under increasing threat. Spotlighting works with a wide array of topics and approaches, the exhibition creates a sort of contemporary tapestry of those shaping Chicago\u2019s cultural landscape since the mid-20th century. The show intends to highlight \u201cartists deserving of greater attention, while posing questions about access to the art world and how art comes to be defined and valued,\u201d a statement says.<\/p>\nIncluded are four impeccably detailed paintings by Drossos P. Skyllas (1912-1973), an Ottoman-born artist known for his enchanting hyperrealistic portraits. Charles Barbarena works with a similar devotion to precise mark-making in his portraiture. The Nicaraguan artist creates linocuts that frame instances of trauma and adversity with elaborate floral motifs, his depictions of people continually harnessing compassion and resistance.<\/p>\nDrossos P. Skyllas, born Kalymnos, Ottoman Empire (now Greece), 1912-1976, \u201cGreek Bishop\u201d (c. 1967), oil on canvas, 65 x 41 1\/2 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFound object and mixed-media sculpture features prominently, too. The soaring miniature cathedral by Charles Warner, for example, interprets the sacred spaces of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and pastel paint. There\u2019s also the figurative assemblage of Alfonso \u201cPiloto\u201d Nieves Ruiz, who sculpts a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. With a torso of unidentifiable hands caked in soil and detritus at her feet, Piloto\u2019s \u201cIn the name of progress\u201d complicates the symbol of freedom.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> is on view through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMar\u00eda Enr\u00edquez de Allen, American, born Allende, Mexico, 1907-1999, \u201cUntitled (New life goat skull)\u201d (1997), mixed media, 8 \u00be x 7 x 10 \u00bd inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarion Perkins, American, born Marche, Arkansas, 1908-1961, \u201cUntitled (Wire head)\u201d (c. 1955), steel wire, 19 x 12 x 13 inches.\u00a0Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBronislaw \u201cBruno\u201d Sowa, American, born Lubomierz (Poland), 1915-1995, \u201cUntitled\u201d (1994), oil on board in carved pyrography frame with glass jewels, 33 x 24 x 1 1\/4 inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The inaugural exhibition at the newly renovated Intuit Art Museum<\/a> celebrates this history by bringing together 22 artists with ties to the city. Comprised of 75 works across mediums, Catalyst: Im\/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago<\/em> highlights those who worked in the Midwest and established their practice outside the traditional art world models.<\/p>\nCarlos Barberena, born Granada, Nicaragua, 1972, \u201cExodus\u201d (2019), linocut on HW Rives paper, edition of 25, 24 x 19 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIntuit is a longstanding champion of self-taught artists. Established in 1991, the museum has recognized the incredible creative contributions of those operating outside the mainstream due to economic, societal, or geographic reasons. <\/p>\nOne such artist is Henry Darger<\/a>, who worked as a hospital custodian by day and produced an enormous collection of drawings, watercolor paintings, and cut paper works only discovered after his death. While Darger\u2019s works now sell for prices in the high six figures, his story is unique. Historically, self-taught artists don\u2019t often attain the critical or financial recognition of their traditionally trained peers.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> comes at a particularly relevant moment in the U.S., as immigrants are under increasing threat. Spotlighting works with a wide array of topics and approaches, the exhibition creates a sort of contemporary tapestry of those shaping Chicago\u2019s cultural landscape since the mid-20th century. The show intends to highlight \u201cartists deserving of greater attention, while posing questions about access to the art world and how art comes to be defined and valued,\u201d a statement says.<\/p>\nIncluded are four impeccably detailed paintings by Drossos P. Skyllas (1912-1973), an Ottoman-born artist known for his enchanting hyperrealistic portraits. Charles Barbarena works with a similar devotion to precise mark-making in his portraiture. The Nicaraguan artist creates linocuts that frame instances of trauma and adversity with elaborate floral motifs, his depictions of people continually harnessing compassion and resistance.<\/p>\nDrossos P. Skyllas, born Kalymnos, Ottoman Empire (now Greece), 1912-1976, \u201cGreek Bishop\u201d (c. 1967), oil on canvas, 65 x 41 1\/2 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFound object and mixed-media sculpture features prominently, too. The soaring miniature cathedral by Charles Warner, for example, interprets the sacred spaces of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and pastel paint. There\u2019s also the figurative assemblage of Alfonso \u201cPiloto\u201d Nieves Ruiz, who sculpts a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. With a torso of unidentifiable hands caked in soil and detritus at her feet, Piloto\u2019s \u201cIn the name of progress\u201d complicates the symbol of freedom.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> is on view through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMar\u00eda Enr\u00edquez de Allen, American, born Allende, Mexico, 1907-1999, \u201cUntitled (New life goat skull)\u201d (1997), mixed media, 8 \u00be x 7 x 10 \u00bd inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarion Perkins, American, born Marche, Arkansas, 1908-1961, \u201cUntitled (Wire head)\u201d (c. 1955), steel wire, 19 x 12 x 13 inches.\u00a0Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBronislaw \u201cBruno\u201d Sowa, American, born Lubomierz (Poland), 1915-1995, \u201cUntitled\u201d (1994), oil on board in carved pyrography frame with glass jewels, 33 x 24 x 1 1\/4 inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Intuit is a longstanding champion of self-taught artists. Established in 1991, the museum has recognized the incredible creative contributions of those operating outside the mainstream due to economic, societal, or geographic reasons. <\/p>\n
One such artist is Henry Darger<\/a>, who worked as a hospital custodian by day and produced an enormous collection of drawings, watercolor paintings, and cut paper works only discovered after his death. While Darger\u2019s works now sell for prices in the high six figures, his story is unique. Historically, self-taught artists don\u2019t often attain the critical or financial recognition of their traditionally trained peers.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> comes at a particularly relevant moment in the U.S., as immigrants are under increasing threat. Spotlighting works with a wide array of topics and approaches, the exhibition creates a sort of contemporary tapestry of those shaping Chicago\u2019s cultural landscape since the mid-20th century. The show intends to highlight \u201cartists deserving of greater attention, while posing questions about access to the art world and how art comes to be defined and valued,\u201d a statement says.<\/p>\nIncluded are four impeccably detailed paintings by Drossos P. Skyllas (1912-1973), an Ottoman-born artist known for his enchanting hyperrealistic portraits. Charles Barbarena works with a similar devotion to precise mark-making in his portraiture. The Nicaraguan artist creates linocuts that frame instances of trauma and adversity with elaborate floral motifs, his depictions of people continually harnessing compassion and resistance.<\/p>\nDrossos P. Skyllas, born Kalymnos, Ottoman Empire (now Greece), 1912-1976, \u201cGreek Bishop\u201d (c. 1967), oil on canvas, 65 x 41 1\/2 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFound object and mixed-media sculpture features prominently, too. The soaring miniature cathedral by Charles Warner, for example, interprets the sacred spaces of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and pastel paint. There\u2019s also the figurative assemblage of Alfonso \u201cPiloto\u201d Nieves Ruiz, who sculpts a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. With a torso of unidentifiable hands caked in soil and detritus at her feet, Piloto\u2019s \u201cIn the name of progress\u201d complicates the symbol of freedom.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> is on view through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMar\u00eda Enr\u00edquez de Allen, American, born Allende, Mexico, 1907-1999, \u201cUntitled (New life goat skull)\u201d (1997), mixed media, 8 \u00be x 7 x 10 \u00bd inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarion Perkins, American, born Marche, Arkansas, 1908-1961, \u201cUntitled (Wire head)\u201d (c. 1955), steel wire, 19 x 12 x 13 inches.\u00a0Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBronislaw \u201cBruno\u201d Sowa, American, born Lubomierz (Poland), 1915-1995, \u201cUntitled\u201d (1994), oil on board in carved pyrography frame with glass jewels, 33 x 24 x 1 1\/4 inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Catalyst<\/em> comes at a particularly relevant moment in the U.S., as immigrants are under increasing threat. Spotlighting works with a wide array of topics and approaches, the exhibition creates a sort of contemporary tapestry of those shaping Chicago\u2019s cultural landscape since the mid-20th century. The show intends to highlight \u201cartists deserving of greater attention, while posing questions about access to the art world and how art comes to be defined and valued,\u201d a statement says.<\/p>\nIncluded are four impeccably detailed paintings by Drossos P. Skyllas (1912-1973), an Ottoman-born artist known for his enchanting hyperrealistic portraits. Charles Barbarena works with a similar devotion to precise mark-making in his portraiture. The Nicaraguan artist creates linocuts that frame instances of trauma and adversity with elaborate floral motifs, his depictions of people continually harnessing compassion and resistance.<\/p>\nDrossos P. Skyllas, born Kalymnos, Ottoman Empire (now Greece), 1912-1976, \u201cGreek Bishop\u201d (c. 1967), oil on canvas, 65 x 41 1\/2 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFound object and mixed-media sculpture features prominently, too. The soaring miniature cathedral by Charles Warner, for example, interprets the sacred spaces of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and pastel paint. There\u2019s also the figurative assemblage of Alfonso \u201cPiloto\u201d Nieves Ruiz, who sculpts a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. With a torso of unidentifiable hands caked in soil and detritus at her feet, Piloto\u2019s \u201cIn the name of progress\u201d complicates the symbol of freedom.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> is on view through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMar\u00eda Enr\u00edquez de Allen, American, born Allende, Mexico, 1907-1999, \u201cUntitled (New life goat skull)\u201d (1997), mixed media, 8 \u00be x 7 x 10 \u00bd inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarion Perkins, American, born Marche, Arkansas, 1908-1961, \u201cUntitled (Wire head)\u201d (c. 1955), steel wire, 19 x 12 x 13 inches.\u00a0Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBronislaw \u201cBruno\u201d Sowa, American, born Lubomierz (Poland), 1915-1995, \u201cUntitled\u201d (1994), oil on board in carved pyrography frame with glass jewels, 33 x 24 x 1 1\/4 inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Included are four impeccably detailed paintings by Drossos P. Skyllas (1912-1973), an Ottoman-born artist known for his enchanting hyperrealistic portraits. Charles Barbarena works with a similar devotion to precise mark-making in his portraiture. The Nicaraguan artist creates linocuts that frame instances of trauma and adversity with elaborate floral motifs, his depictions of people continually harnessing compassion and resistance.<\/p>\nDrossos P. Skyllas, born Kalymnos, Ottoman Empire (now Greece), 1912-1976, \u201cGreek Bishop\u201d (c. 1967), oil on canvas, 65 x 41 1\/2 inches<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFound object and mixed-media sculpture features prominently, too. The soaring miniature cathedral by Charles Warner, for example, interprets the sacred spaces of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and pastel paint. There\u2019s also the figurative assemblage of Alfonso \u201cPiloto\u201d Nieves Ruiz, who sculpts a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. With a torso of unidentifiable hands caked in soil and detritus at her feet, Piloto\u2019s \u201cIn the name of progress\u201d complicates the symbol of freedom.<\/p>\nCatalyst<\/em> is on view through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMar\u00eda Enr\u00edquez de Allen, American, born Allende, Mexico, 1907-1999, \u201cUntitled (New life goat skull)\u201d (1997), mixed media, 8 \u00be x 7 x 10 \u00bd inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarion Perkins, American, born Marche, Arkansas, 1908-1961, \u201cUntitled (Wire head)\u201d (c. 1955), steel wire, 19 x 12 x 13 inches.\u00a0Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBronislaw \u201cBruno\u201d Sowa, American, born Lubomierz (Poland), 1915-1995, \u201cUntitled\u201d (1994), oil on board in carved pyrography frame with glass jewels, 33 x 24 x 1 1\/4 inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Found object and mixed-media sculpture features prominently, too. The soaring miniature cathedral by Charles Warner, for example, interprets the sacred spaces of his childhood in Prussia through hand-carved wood and pastel paint. There\u2019s also the figurative assemblage of Alfonso \u201cPiloto\u201d Nieves Ruiz, who sculpts a rendition of the Statue of Liberty. With a torso of unidentifiable hands caked in soil and detritus at her feet, Piloto\u2019s \u201cIn the name of progress\u201d complicates the symbol of freedom.<\/p>\n
Catalyst<\/em> is on view through January 11, 2026.<\/p>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCharles Warner, born Prussia (now Poland), 1884-1964, \u201cCathedral III\u201d (c. 1955) mixed media, 48 1\/16 x 16 1\/8 x 20 7\/8 inches. Photo by Mark Widhalm<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMar\u00eda Enr\u00edquez de Allen, American, born Allende, Mexico, 1907-1999, \u201cUntitled (New life goat skull)\u201d (1997), mixed media, 8 \u00be x 7 x 10 \u00bd inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMarion Perkins, American, born Marche, Arkansas, 1908-1961, \u201cUntitled (Wire head)\u201d (c. 1955), steel wire, 19 x 12 x 13 inches.\u00a0Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBronislaw \u201cBruno\u201d Sowa, American, born Lubomierz (Poland), 1915-1995, \u201cUntitled\u201d (1994), oil on board in carved pyrography frame with glass jewels, 33 x 24 x 1 1\/4 inches. Photo by Lisa Lindvay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPhoto by Lisa and Nick Albertson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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