If you enjoy it outsider art, we suggest you visit a small but amazing outsider art museum in Chicago. The nonprofit Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art is a hosts many superb temporary exhibitions. We suggest a visit the next time you are in Chicago.
Henry Darger
The big attraction is the fascinating Henry Darger room.
Arguably one of the most famous outsider artists, Darger was a Chicago custodian who created fascinating art discovered by his landlords shortly before his death.
Posthumously, he has become one of the most famous outsider artists. His work is both fascinating and disturbing.
The Darger room is a recreation of the room he lived in. Because his landlords kept much of it when he passed away, there are actual artifacts from his living space. You can view a short PBS “The Good Stuff” video about it here.
Because it includes items from Intuit’s permanent collection and a recreation of his actual home, we find the room mesmerizing
Educational Programming
When it comes to learning about art, there is a lot to appreciate.
As with many art institutions today, Intuit offers frequent Zoom sessions on various topics. Many offerings are free at thhis outsider art museum in Chicago.
More On Outsider Art?
We recommend the website Interesting Ideas.
And check out our other posts about works in Detroit and near Palm Springs, California.
More on Art in Chicago
Great art is abundant in Chicago. Not only are there marvelous museum, but the city has an superior outdoor sculpture program.
Even more, street art abounds. There are reputed works by Banksy who visited in 2010. Sadly, most have not survived the ravages of time. Also, how can you not love someone who fills in potholes with mosaics? That’s why we appreciate the pothole mosaics of Jim Bachor.
Check out our post about the Art Institute’s Tiffany window.
And of course there is the Museum of Contemporary Art.
And while you in town be sure to visit our favorite gallery, Western Exhibitions.
