21 July, 2025
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BREAKING: The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago has just launched an urgent exhibition titled “City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago,” which runs now through May 31, 2026. This vibrant showcase highlights the rich tapestry of local LGBTQ art and activism, spanning from the 1980s to the present.

The exhibition, curated by Jack Schneider and Korina Hernandez, features a powerful collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and film that reflect the evolving nature of queer identity. With conservative political agendas increasingly threatening LGBTQ rights, this exhibit serves as a vital reminder of the community’s resilience and creativity.

The MCA’s exhibition is one of three major LGBTQ-themed shows currently on display in Chicago, alongside “The First Homosexuals” at Wrightwood 659 and “Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men” at the Art Institute. This confluence of exhibitions underscores a significant cultural moment and the urgent need for visibility and recognition.

“City in a Garden” is a bold exploration of what it means to be queer today. The term “queer,” once a slur, has been reclaimed and broadened to encompass a spectrum of identities, challenging traditional categorizations. The exhibit includes works like Doug Ischar’s poignant photographs from the Belmont Rocks, capturing intimate moments from the gay beach scene in 1985, and Catherine Opie’s seasonal landscapes of Lake Michigan, which invite viewers to ponder the lake’s fluid identity.

The exhibit does not shy away from the shadows of the past, particularly the impact of the AIDS crisis. Featured works, such as Roger Brown’s striking disco painting of a skeleton, juxtapose themes of life and death, while highlighting the struggles faced by artists and their communities during this turbulent time.

Local collectives play a critical role in the exhibition, exemplifying the intersection of art and activism. Notably, ACT/UP Chicago is celebrated for its tireless efforts to bring attention to the AIDS crisis during a time of governmental neglect. A striking collage by Hunter Reynolds commemorates their impactful work, reminding attendees of the ongoing fight for justice and recognition.

The exhibition also features innovative pieces like Faysal Altunbozar’s whimsical bird feeder-dildos and Mary Stoppert’s intricate sculpture of a hand emerging from a calla lily. Such artworks provoke thought and laughter, challenging viewers to engage with the complexity of queer identity and culture.

As the exhibition unfolds, it invites discussion about the future of LGBTQ rights and health. The work of artists like Edie Fake, who envisions bold storefronts for underground LGBTQ organizations, resonates deeply in today’s political climate. The closing piece, Paul Heyer’s striking painting of a cowboy, serves as a hopeful reminder of resilience amidst adversity.

City in a Garden is more than an exhibition; it is a clarion call for understanding and acceptance, a celebration of the LGBTQ community’s rich history, and a poignant reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.

For more details, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago at 220 E. Chicago Ave. or call 312-280-2660. Don’t miss this vital exhibit that is sure to inspire and provoke conversation throughout the city and beyond.