The artists of Chicago have an independence streak. This is not a town known for following the status quo, but rather leading the way often years or even decades ahead of other artists. It is true also that many of the past artists of this town and even up and coming younger artist's work is found not in Chicago art galleries, but in New York or other hot spots where fine visual art is celebrated. While there is some truth to this, it is all the more reason to known in advance when Chicago art galleries will be featuring major or upcoming local artists.
Influencing the art scene in Chicago for generations the School of the Art Institute of Chicago was founded in 1879. Built on the remains of the Museum of Art that was destroyed by fire the school originally maintained a very conservative stance, and closely followed popular European traditions and influences. The school did not appreciate graduates of the school who deviated from this like Arthur B. Davies who gravitated toward modernists, and Archibald J. Motley who developed a modern style influenced by jazz, but they did appear in Chicago art galleries and elsewhere. What did change the school, its artists, and what would show up in Chicago art galleries were the two world wars.
Creativity is found in diversity, and it was during this period that Chicago and as other communities across the United States became more aware of those voices that often went unheard. By the 1950's the result of this awareness is seen in the various styles that developed such as realism, surrealism and tendency to follow a sense of individual style wasn't appreciated by the critics of the time, but those artists who works did appear in Chicago art galleries of the time are now seen as the stars they truly were. This was hint to the treasures that the town's artists and Chicago art galleries and shows would eventual hold.
Claes Oldenburg the Swedish sculptor became well known for public art installations featuring a different perceptive of the common objects. A graduate of the Chicago's art institute he sold his first work of art through Chicago art galleries for $25. In 2001, Oldenburg was awarded the National Medal of Arts. Different perspectives have long held sway in and out of Chicago art galleries. The original and somewhat bizarre renderings of William Wallace Denslow illustrated the early works of L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz.
There are few if any journals or sites keeping up with the Chicago art scene. Knowing the ins and outs in Chicago art galleries is not easy for the un-initiated. News and information about the art scene and Chicago art galleries can be discovered through Visual Art Source. Coverage on artists and information on the latest openings or controversy in this city are surprising slim. Still, having this is a remarkable place to see art, and discover new artists who will one day certainly find recognition.