URGENT UPDATE: Chicago’s vibrant art scene is set to deliver a powerful lineup of exhibitions this fall, challenging audiences to confront pressing social issues while offering moments of beauty and reflection. As the world grapples with crises, these shows promise alternative visions that resonate deeply with today’s realities.
The Art Institute of Chicago will host several key exhibitions, including the highly anticipated “Elizabeth Catlett: ‘A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies’,” running through January 4, 2026. This groundbreaking showcase highlights Catlett’s impactful work, illustrating the struggles and triumphs of Black and Mexican women through her powerful sculptures and prints.
Another notable exhibit, “On Loss and Absence: Textiles of Mourning and Survival,” runs until March 15, 2026. Curated by a team of four artists, including Anne Wilson, it features over 100 textiles that explore grief and survival across cultures. Visitors can view artifacts like an Ogboni chief’s wrapper from Nigeria, offering profound insights into the human experience of loss.
Helen Frankenthaler, a pivotal figure in abstract expressionism, will be celebrated in “Pouring, Spilling, Bleeding: Helen Frankenthaler and Artists’ Experiments on Paper,” from September 17 to December 14, 2025. This exhibit showcases her innovative approach to printmaking alongside works from contemporary artists like Robert Motherwell and Joan Mitchell.
In a bittersweet farewell, the Roman Susan Art Foundation in Rogers Park will present “Open Hours” from September 18-30, celebrating its final days in its original location. The foundation has been a cornerstone of community art, hosting experimental programs in a unique setting.
The highly anticipated Chicago Architecture Biennial kicks off on September 19, featuring over 100 innovative projects that address cultural, social, and environmental shifts. The exhibition, led by artistic director Florencia Rodriguez, runs through February 28, 2026, and will take place across multiple venues in the city.
Theaster Gates will finally have his solo show, “Unto Thee,” at the Smart Museum of Art from September 23 to February 22, 2026. Gates transforms discarded materials into powerful art pieces that narrate untold stories, making this exhibition a must-see.
Additionally, Yoko Ono will showcase her retrospective, “Music of the Mind,” from October 18 to February 22, 2026, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. This exhibit spans over seven decades of Ono’s groundbreaking work, encouraging viewers to engage with her avant-garde approach to art and peace activism.
The fall art season in Chicago is not just about viewing art; it’s about engaging with pressing issues and finding connection in an increasingly complex world. With opportunities to reflect on loss, resilience, and the future, these exhibitions are essential experiences for all.
As the art community rallies to inspire and provoke thought, be sure to plan your visits to these critical exhibitions. The urgency of the messages conveyed makes this a fall season that cannot be missed.
