Untitled, 2008 by Natalia Arias; Courtesy of Nohra Haime Gallery
Art Chicago is pleased to announce two exhibitions meant to highlight and explore one of Chicago’s most notable visual traditions – that of the Hairy Who and Imagist artists.
Few periods in Chicago art history have sparked as much passionate dialogue about Chicago art as that which saw the rise of artists associated with Chicago’s Hairy Who and Imagist groups. Since their first exhibitions in the late 1960s at the Hyde Park Art Center, these artists have often been characterized by an irreverent approach to the figure and colofrul, and often vulgar aesthetic. Many artists who are considered Imagist and Hairy Who artists continue to live and work today, undeniably influencing younger generations of artists.
The Hairy Who and Imagist Legacy in Contemporary Art
This exhibition curated from Art Chicago exhibiting galleries by Lynne Warren, curator, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago will feature contemporary artists whose work shows demonstrates a Hairy Who or Imagist by way of attitude, aesthetic or subject matter. While artists will be on view from all over the world, many of the highlights come from Chicago’s own galleries including Carl Hammer Gallery, showing C.J. Pyle; Lynda Warren Gallery, showing Paula Henderson, John Waldo and Alex O’Neal; and McCormick Gallery, showing Bernard Williams. Other highlights include Thomas Woodruff, showing courtesy of P.P.O.W. and Luis Romero, showing courtesy of Fleisher/Ollman.
In Focus: The Hairy Who and Imagist Artists
An exhibition of artists closely associated with these groups, this intimate exhibition serves as a fantastic introduction into the colorful world of the Hairy Who and Imagists. Exhibiting artists include Karl Wirsum, Jim Nutt, Gladys Nilsson, Suellen Rocca, Art Green and Roger Brown. This exhibition is culled from Art Chicago exhibitors including Jean Albano Gallery, Russell Bowman Art Advisory, Tory Folliard Gallery, Landfall Press and Carl Hammer Gallery.
Related Program at Art Chicago
Art Spot presented by the Hyde Park Art Center
Saturday, May 2, 1:30pm in the Art Spot, located on the Art Chicago Show Floor
This panel, featuring participants considered to be experts in the subject of Chicago art and its history, will discuss Chicago’s art and artists, while addressing the legacy of the Hairy Who and Imagists. Panelists include, Chuck Thurow, director, Hyde Park Art Center; Phyllis Bramson, artist and professor, University of Illinois at Chicago; and John Corbett, writer, musician, radio host, teacher, gallery owner and adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute.
Untitled (Cardboard Puppet), 1973 by Karl Wirsum; Courtesy of Russell Bowman Art Advisory
