Categories: Art Galleries

Art Galleries & Shows: West Loop

Author: Emily Capdevielle

The West Loop area is one that won't have you walking too far between galleries. Some only require you to go up or downstairs so you can make the best of your art outing. If you hop on the green line and get off at the Ashland stop, you'll only be a few blocks away from the West Loop's finest art spaces.

One of the biggest galleries in the area invites controversial art with open arms. A visit to the FLATFILE Galleries would be essential to your excursion if you like a variety of art that's not afraid to break the rules. The summer exhibition, 'Freedom of Speech', consists of two components, one of them being Benjamin June’s "Iraq Suicide Attack Pillow Project: A Memorial" exhibit. This piece of shock art is made up of black pillows representing suicide attacks in Iraq since the U.S. invasion. June started the project in 2003 and it is still ongoing. There’s also a lower level featuring the second component of the summer exhibition with a controversial art installation from artist Wafaa Bilal. The installation was previously closed down in New York for its political content. Bilal’s "The Night of the Bush Capturing: A Virtual Jihadi' is a hacked version of the Al Qaeda game, 'The Night of the Bush Capturing." This exhibit is meant to bring awareness to the impact the war is having on vulnerable citizens in Iraq and the current situation concerning the war there.

If political art isn’t your style, there is plenty of photography, emerging and contemporary artwork to see in the FLATFILE Galleries. Chicago-born artist Janet Satz currently has an exhibition “Wall Work” with mixed graphic media and acrylic artwork portraying the 3D subject of architecture.

After visiting the FLATFILE galleries which has a variety of artwork to look at, the G.R. N’Namdi Gallery shows abstract paintings like Dissertation #6 by Antonio Carreño. Carreño lets his emotions inspire him to produce vivid paintings that are a part of the artist’s "Levels of Thought" exhibition.

The Peter Miller Gallery LTD. hosts a variety of artwork spanning contemporary paintings to video and sound installations. This gallery is very spacious with 3500 square feet filled with art divided into three spaces. Artwork by Jeff Mueller is currently exhibited in the gallery with a unique approach using visual conversations in a variety of media. The images added to the text are either in the form of a video or photograph. The images and text range from the humorous to the bizarre like “This could be your last memory” made in acrylic and resin on masonite. Another artist incorporating photographs into their work is William Betts. Betts takes personal digital photographs and uses them to create an abstract piece of art with oil or acrylic paint. Pieces like “Bridge” and “Couple” resemble photos that would be captured by a surveillance camera.

If you’re interested in seeing works of art from all over the world, the four-floored Primitive art gallery is right up your alley. This gigantic space showcases authentic materials from places like Tibet, China, Africa and India. Materials include artifacts, furniture and fashions from around the world. If you can’t afford to travel the world, Primitive would be an adequate substitute. The Primitive also has a full exhibition held online which consists of Kuchi-e Japanese woodblock prints.

Events

Starbucks Saturdays tours hosted by the Art Dealers Association of Chicago (CADA) is no longer exclusive to the River North gallery district. Beginning August 2. there will be West Loop Tours meeting at the Starbucks on the corner of Randolph and Morgan at 946 West Randolph Street at 1:30p.m.-3p.m. The tours are free of charge and are hosted by a member of the CADA. Tours transpire every six to eight weeks with each CADA member bringing a different set of galleries to the table at each tour date. Make sure to wear your walking shoes and your love for art! Reservations are not required and will go on rain or shine.

Dining

If you’re looking for a great place to dine, the West Loop and Fulton Market district areas provide restaurants that will stifle your stomach growls. Whether you want to stay within familiar American cuisine or venture towards some French fare, variety is abundant in this area. The West Town Tavern is a cozy, contemporary restaurant serving everything from calamari to herb-marinated chicken. Green Zebra serves contemporary vegetarian cuisine to satisfy those who prefer an alternative to meat as well. If you’re exhausted from all the art viewing and want the food brought to you, Sushi Wabi delivers to the West Loop and downtown areas. Otherwise, you can enjoy perusing their lunch or dinner menus in front of their sushi bar.

Check out places of interest near Art Galleries & Shows: West Loop:

Sepia
123 N. Jefferson Street, Chicago, IL 60661

With Art Nouveau flooring and a rustic yet stylish atmosphere, Sepia offers an intense wine selection, chic cocktails, and delicately made entrees.

Carl Hammer Gallery
740 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654

New and emerging artforms have a place to call home. The Carl Hammer Gallery is one of the River North neighborhood's hottest shops for outsider art and has been since opening in 1979.

Expression Gallery of Fine Art
708 N. Wells, Chicago, Illinois 60610

The Expression Gallery of Fine Art specializes in 19th and 20th Century master prints including Picasso and Renoir. Contemporary American, Spanish and French painters are also represented.

Sawbridge Studios
153 W. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60610

This gallery-esque store features handcrafted furniture and home accessories.

Vale Craft Gallery
230 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60610

Contemporary American pieces in a wide variety of media are offered here.

Chicago Antique Market
47 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60610

This indoor/outdoor urban antique market attracts bargain hunters of all kinds.

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

Discover 5,000 years of artistic expression at one of the world's great art museums. Journey through Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as you enjoy paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, textiles, and architectural works. Admission $7-$12.