In his 1951 book Chicago: City on the Make, Nelson Algren offered bittersweet praise for the city: “Like loving a woman with a broken nose, you may well find lovelier lovelies. But never a lovely so real.” This unique character—fraught with affection, tension, and contradiction—is revealed in the work of the many photographers and filmmakers who documented Chicago in the second half of the 20th century as cultural, social, and political events transformed the city.
Drawn largely from the Art Institute’s collection, this exhibition highlights the work of artists who through their images and films captured the life of their own communities or those to which they were granted intimate access as outsiders. Featured among them is a network of photographers who focused on Chicago’s South Side during a period coinciding with the emergence of the city’s Black Arts Movement. These include works by Billy Abernathy, Darryl Cowherd, Bob Crawford, Roy Lewis, and Robert A. Sengstacke produced in connection with the revolutionary Bronzeville mural, the Wall of Respect (1967–71).
This rich history of street photography is complemented by the parallel emergence of filmmakers such as Tom Palazzolo and Kartemquin Films, who poetically captured the city’s changing landscape. Together, these works reveal Chicago’s character, lovely and ever so real. We encourage you to stop by the Art Institute of Chicago to see this unique exhibit!
At 444 Social Apartments in Lincolnshire, Illinois, we pride ourselves on informing our residents about all the upcoming events our beautiful community has to offer. Don’t hesitate to join this event on Thursday!
Event Time/Date:
Thursday, August 9, 2018—10:30 AM
Event Venue Location:
Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603