For the better part of the 20th century the Art Institute hosted “Chicago and Vicinity,” an annual exhibition that focused on art made by artists living in the city. The museum discontinued the series in the mid-1980s, but Shane Campbell Gallery has now revived it in the 8,550-square-foot space of its new South Loop location. In this edition of “Chicago and Vicinity,” 91 separate works produced by 50 artists currently residing in Chicago are sporadically arranged around the gallery. Some pieces spill out into the hallway, while others are tucked into Campbell’s large adjoining office.
Kapsalis was also featured in the 1956, 1960, and 1969 “Chicago and Vicinity” shows. Painter Margot Berman is another artist in the current show who was included in previous editions of the Art Institute’s exhibitions (1977 and 1980). The 80-year-old painter’s Madame X, a 34 x 28-inch acrylic portrait on canvas, manages to stand out in the chaotic show, despite being placed next to David Leggett‘s massive 80 x 80 painting Dragon Breath: Black Love and Smoke Signals.
Through 4/23, Wed-Sat noon-6 PM Shane Campbell Gallery 2021 S. Wabash 312-226-2223shanecampbellgallery.com Free
