Incredible Art and History Exhibits in the Chicago Area for Black History Month

Feb 5, 2024

We’re continuing to celebrate Black History Month, this time highlighting local arts and cultural scenes in and around Lake County and the greater Chicago area. Today, we’re sharing four incredible exhibits and installations that you don’t want to miss, along with a list of other wonderful places to stop in your exploration this month of Black history’s influence past, present and future. Got an exhibit that fits the bill but notice we’ve missed on our list? Let us know in the comments section so that our readers can check it out.

David Shrobe: Natural Sovereignty at Moniquemeloche

The artist’s second solo exhibition with the galley opened on February 3rd and will run through March 16th. Drawing upon oral histories, family portraits, and online historical archives, the David Shrobe’s creations focus on the vitality of family life in Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. Works on display feature assemblage, collage, drawings, and paintings, created with materials often found within the surrounding blocks near his studio building. It’s an innovative and labor-intensive process resulting in works that draw inspiration from the past and shine a light on the possibilities of the future. The Natural Sovereignty exhibition showcases the artists’ process of image making and the connection to pictorial genealogies. This thoughtful work is full of depth and layers, and a must-see art experience.

Freedom Square: The Black Girlhood Altar at the Chicago Cultural Center

National arts organization A Long Walk Home has created an incredible collective of artists, activists, scholars, survivors, and leading women and girls of color. During the intense social events, uprisings, and global pandemic of 2021, Chicago-Based artists Scheherazade Tillet of A Long Walk Home and Robert Narcisco created “The Black Girlhood Altar” – a multimedia, artifact-based, video, and object-based art installation designed to create sacred spaces and honor the lives of Black girls and young Black women who have gone missing or been murdered. Existing at the intersection of commemorative work, activism and advocacy, this unique installation made its way through various regions of Chicago before setting up home at the Chicago Cultural Center. The piece has three distinct gallery spaces: Ritual and Prayer; Rest & Recess: The Courtyard; Call and Response. This emotional and eye-opening exhibit is intended as a space where artists, families, and community activists can engage in meaningful conversation and connection. Running now through March 10th!

Bending Light at the South Side Community Art Center

This limited run exhibition is on display from February 10th through April 27th. Curated by Paul Branton this unique group exhibition features works by EDO, Courtney Collins, Robert Clark Lewis, Pearlie Taylor, Brant Lamont, and Paul Branton. The exhibit examines and explores what it means to be a person of colour living in the US. Explore theories of color as they relate to identity and the rich pigments found in nature. Artists explore color’s impact on Black identity, potential, and the interplay between societal perceptions and individual existence. It’s a celebration of the challenges, triumphs, complexities of existing as a Black individual in America. Join in on this poignant examination of humanity, the arts, and social commentary.

Faith Ringgold: American People at Griffin Galleries at the Museum of Contemporary Art

This stunning exhibit is running now through February 25th 2024, and is Ringgold’s first solo presentation in Chicago. With a career spanning 6 decades, multitalented Faith Ringgold has become one of the most influential cultural figures of her generation. This gorgeous retrospective exhibit provides visitors with a comprehensive look at the impact Ringgold’s vision and voice has to say on the American Experience. It includes some of her best known works including painting, quilts, sculptures, and archival materials from her activism in the 60s and 70s. You don’t want to miss this!

The Wisconsin Black Art and Culture Expo presented with Mahogany Gallery and Mahogany Black Arts and Culture Center

This spectacular two-month-long event celebrates Black contributions in the arts across not just Wisconsin but the entire United States. The Racine, Milwaukee, and Kenosha communities will host a variety of special events, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and more, each of which will celebrate Black cultural milestones and creativity in the arts. The 3rd annual expo begins on February 10th with a Black Tie Kick-Off Gala! Expect participating events and exhibits at the Racine Theatre Guild, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Lemon Street Gallery, UW-Parkside, Mahogany Gallery, and Racine Art Museum. Join in for a wonderful celebration filled with fun, education, arts exploration, and community! Running February 10th through April 13th 2024.

Other exhibits, events, and museums of interest to explore this month include: