Temperature Check
Pigment International invites Chicago’s Black visual artists and others in the Black art ecosystem to take part in Temperature Check: Taking the Pulse of Chicago’s Black Visual Artists in a Shifting America. Visual artists have always been documentarians of their time—reflecting movements, mourning loss, inspiring action, and archiving truth.
As America faces political, economic, and cultural shifts, we aim to listen and gather perspectives on how Chicago’s Black artists are navigating this pivotal moment. Pigment International is using its platform to listen, gather perspectives, and better understand how Chicago’s Black visual artists are navigating this pivotal moment. We invite you to share your experiences by answering five questions. Your responses will be collected and shared later this year with other Public Narrative outlets serving Chicago.
D. Lamar Preston, Richard Hunt sculpture from Playboy Club, and sculptor Eric Stephenson. Their work will be showcased alongside Hunt's at the opening of the Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire.
Carnival of Fire, the latest exhibition at Vector Custom Fabricating, showcasing sculpture, mterial, and meaning was held on Saturday. The show featured an evocative collection of works that spoke to both craftsmanship and spirit, while sparks flew during live metal pourings. Fire dancers and candy red hots contributed to the evening's kitsch.
Artists Dada Soulface, Devioune Thompson and Blake Lenoir, Sandra Harrison, Elias Ako, owner of Crystal House Gallery, Curtis Wilson, Jr. hair of the Aurora African American Heritage Board, Patricia Andrews-Keenan.
Pigment International partnered with the Aurora African American Heritage Board in celebration of Black Fine Art Month. Artists Dada Soulface, Blake Lenoir, and Devioune Thompson were on hand for a reception at the Crystal House Gallery. This is the third celebration during which the Heritage Board hosted the group. Among the attendees were Councilman at Large Will White, former councilman Sherman Jenkins, CEO of the Quad County Urban League, Theodia Gillespie, and chair of the Heritage Board Curtis WIlson Jr., Sandra and Darryl Harrison of DVA Leadership & Development Training Consultants, organized the event catered by Chef Ora. Former Mayor Richard Irvine recognized Black Fine Art Month with a proclamation in 2023.
Books, music, art, and objects — all are forms of resistance that Theaster Gates wields masterfully in Unto Thee, his solo exhibition at the Smart Museum of Art. The show feels like stepping into your grandmother’s closet — if your grandmother were a world-renowned artist, archivist, and community builder.
For Gates, accumulation has never been about excess but about preservation. Throughout his life, he has gathered things — books, records, artworks, and memories — each imbued with the spirit of the people and places they came from. Now, those collections have found a home where they can be safe, seen, and valued. The Johnson family (founders of Ebony publishing), entrusted Gates with their extensive library and record collection, confident that their legacy would be cared for. Others have followed, bringing their own treasures — those pieces they knew mattered but feared might otherwise be discarded or forgotten.
Pigment International is the premiere multimedia platform and cultural brand celebrating the global impact of Black fine art and artists. We connect galleries, artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts through signature events, publications,
and educational programs that elevate and celebrate Black fine art and its creators. As an independent, nonprofit established in 2018, we rely on the generosity of funders, sponsors, and donors.
The Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire in Chicago is a unique art fair that unites leading galleries, visionary artists, and influential organizations from the Midwest. As a Black-run fine art fair, it stands out in the national art landscape, offering a chance to experience transformative exhibitions and celebrate the richness of Black artistic expression.
Join us in this cultural renaissance as we elevate Black excellence and shape the future of fine art in Chicago. Pigmented is dedicated to championing self-reliance, recirculating Black dollars, and empowering us to write our own history and shape our future.
ART NEWS & EVENTS
GALLERISTS
As the proud owner of my art gallery, I am dedicated to showcasing the incredible talents of both emerging and established artists. My gallery serves as a vibrant space for creativity, where visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse collection of works that reflect unique perspectives and styles.
ARTISTS
At the Art Showing, we believe that every piece of art tells a story, and our event is dedicated to sharing these narratives with the world. Join us for an unforgettable day filled with stunning displays and the chance to meet talented artists from different backgrounds. This is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community.
EVENTS
Step into the world of imagination at the Local Event's winter art event! This exciting occasion showcases the incredible talent within our community, with various artists presenting their creations across different mediums. Our goal is to create an interactive experience where attendees can engage with the art and the artists themselves.