The Intuit Art Museum is set to unveil its inaugural exhibition, “Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago,” with a special preview event on Friday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This exhibition marks the first major showcase in the newly-renovated museum and is positioned as part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide initiative by the Terra Foundation for American Art aimed at celebrating the artistic heritage and creative communities of Chicago.
“Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago” will be the first major exhibition to spotlight the significant impact of immigration and migration on the genre of self-taught art. The exhibition aims to highlight the creative insights brought forth by migrants and immigrants, while also expanding the discussion around access to the art world and the criteria by which art is defined and valued.
By considering the experiences of artists shaped by their migration journeys, cultural backgrounds, and communities, the exhibition seeks to facilitate deeper understanding and appreciation of their work. Given Chicago’s extensive history as a hub for immigrants and migrants, this exhibition provides a unique context for exploring the multifaceted influences—both academic and nonacademic—that nurture artistic expression.
“Catalyst” examines the various factors that drive individuals to leave their homes, migrate to Chicago, and pursue artistic practices. The range of topics addressed by these artists is vast, reflecting personal narratives along with broader political themes, and displays an array of artistic styles that showcase the melding of distinct cultural traditions and lived experiences connected to feelings of belonging, nostalgia for one’s homeland, labor dynamics, and the complexities of assimilation.
Focusing on the rise of self-taught art in Chicago during the latter half of the 20th century, the exhibition traces the opportunities available to artists and underscores the ongoing relevance of im/migration in the realm of self-taught art.
More than 75 works will be featured in the exhibition, drawn from both local and prominent collections. It will spotlight art created by 22 distinct artists who utilize a diverse array of media, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, woodcarving, and installation.
Among the participating artists are Carlos Barberena, originally from Granada, Nicaragua; Isamu Guy Conners, born in Tokyo, Japan; and María Enríquez de Allen, who hails from Allende, Mexico. The exhibition also features work by local talents and artists who have traveled from places such as Poland, North Korea, and India, each contributing their unique narratives and craftsmanship.
The show provides an opportunity to honor artists such as Bronislaw “Bruno” Sowa, Drossos P. Skyllas, and Genya “Jennie” Siporin, each representing the diverse threads that stitch together the fabric of Chicago’s art scene.
As anticipation builds for the grand reopening of the Intuit Art Museum on May 23, Friday’s preview will not only present the compelling exhibition but also serve as a rallying point for recognizing the invaluable contributions of immigrant and migrant artists in Chicago.
In an era where discussions about migration are increasingly pertinent, “Catalyst” encourages reflection on the dynamic relationship between home, belonging, and the creative process, while inviting viewers to engage deeply with the stories and artworks on display.
For more information about the exhibition and related events, visit Intuit Art Museum’s official website.
image source from：https://thevisualist.org/2025/04/catalyst-im-migration-and-self-taught-art-in-chicago/
