Attention art aficionados: Renowned international contemporary art fair EXPO CHICAGO is making its return to the Windy City from April 24 through 27. Hosted at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, the exhibition features more than 170 galleries from 36 countries and 93 cities, with Northern Trust as presenting sponsor.
This year’s event introduces a lineup of new elements, including a curated division titled CONTRAST, led by Lauren Haynes, head curator at Governors Island Arts and vice president for arts and culture at The Trust for Governors Island. This section highlights diverse perspectives in culture, identity and experience through the works of artists like Devan Shimoyama, Esther Mahlangu, Wangari Mathenge, Fahamu Pecou and Chico da Silva.
Expanding on these conversations around culture and creativity, opening night will feature a discussion between renowned contemporary artists Hebru Brantley and Derrick Adams about the convergence of art, fashion and culture at Creative Voices: Fashion, Art, and Cultural Impact. Presented by THE COLLECTION: Where Art Meets Fashion at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and moderated by Michael Darling, chief growth officer and co-founder at Museum Exchange, the discussion offers another perspective on the intersections shaping today’s creative landscape.
This year's event will also spotlight EXPOSURE, curated for the second year by Rosario Güiraldes, curator of visual arts at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. It showcases solo and two-artist presentations from emerging galleries, including Latin American galleries from Brazil and Argentina, along with Chicago-based galleries like Patron and Omenai.
Throughout the fair, visitors can explore both solo and dual-artist presentations, including works by Ebony G. Patterson, Sanford Biggers, Luke Agada and Brendan Fernandes from Monique Meloche Gallery; an installation from renowned interdisciplinary artist Deborah Oropallo presented by San Francisco’s Catharine Clark Gallery; a solo presentation of multimedia Afro-Caribbean American portrait artist Kandy G Lopez by ACA Galleries in New York; and more.
A new partnership with the Galleries Association of Korea (GaoK) brings works from 20 acclaimed Korean galleries to the fair. Highlights include digital prints from Seoul-based visual artist YOON Hyangro from ONE AND J. Gallery, oil and mixed media impasto paintings by artist Lee Jaehyun from GalleryJoeun and oil and sand paintings by visual artist Kangyong Kim displayed by The Columns Gallery.
Additionally, the PROFILE section exhibits solo booths and curated presentations from established international galleries. Featured works include historical prints by Diane Simpson from Corbett vs. Dempsey, geometric art by Italian artist Esther Stocker from Alberta Pan and new paintings by Sam Jablon from The Pit.
“It is a privilege to welcome such a remarkable lineup of artists and galleries to EXPO CHICAGO 2025,” says Tony Karman, president and director of EXPO CHICAGO. “As part of the Frieze network of fairs, EXPO CHICAGO showcases dynamic presentations that amplify Chicago’s standing as a premier cultural destination…Our sincere gratitude goes to Northern Trust, whose support allows us to continue our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue through both contemporary and modern art.”
For more information on EXPO CHICAGO, visit expochicago.com.
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Photography by: Photography by Evan Jenkins, courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO
