This past year, my biggest regret has been not going to the Art Institute of Chicago more.
Back in the summer of 2022, I visited the museum a total of 53 times. Yes, 53. To be fair, I did a summer program there, but still, I practically lived inside the Art Institute. Since 2023 started, I think I’ve only been there a total of five times.
There’s something about being in that building that made me want to create. Art has always been a huge part of my life, but the four weeks that I spent at the Art Institute felt like a fever dream. Never in my life had I created that much work in such a short period of time and with such freedom. I did so much crazy-art-person-stuff that even thinking about it now confuses me.
← evidence of crazy-art-person-stuff
My ultimate goal in life is to look at every single piece of art inside that museum, which is nearly impossible given how often they switch out exhibits. But without further ado, here are some of my favorite pieces that I have seen:
1.) Nighthawks. When people ask me what my favorite painting is, I often default to Nighthawks, by Edward Hopper. This huge oil painting is well known for its quiet atmosphere, moody lighting, and depiction of loneliness. I can’t exactly pinpoint why I’m drawn to this one, but there’s something about how it was carefully crafted that makes me look at it every time I visit the Art Institute.
2.) The Fountain, Villa Torlonia, Frascati, Italy by John Singer Sargent. I am a big fan of John Singer Sargent. First of all, his name is really cool, but I also love his art style. For an American painter, his art weirdly resembles European luxury. I love his big brush strokes and bold use of color, and in this specific painting, it feels so freeing. If I could own any painting of his, I’d pick this one.
3.) “Untitled” (Portrait of Ross in L.A.). This is one of your only chances to touch artwork at a museum. For years and years, I was a hater of contemporary art, but this piece was the one that changed my mind. This piece of art isn’t a painting or a sculpture, but is a pile of shiny, commercially distributed candy at approximately 175 pounds. The artist made this piece in honor of his late partner, who died of AIDS complications, and symbolizes loss and replenishment. Although it is currently off view, if you ever find yourself in front of this piece, take a piece of candy.
4.) The Drinkers. I love Vincent Van Gogh, but in a different way than most people. I don’t love him for his art as much as I love him for his crazy. Every time I look at a piece of his, I can see the insanity, and it makes me happy to think that there’s always going to be something good that comes out of delusion. This piece wasn’t actually Van Gogh’s idea, and rather, was a copy of someone else’s work that he did while he was in the Asylum, but I like the twist he put on it. He has a very distinct use of color and shapes, which emphasizes the crazy and alcoholism in this one.
5.) Slumber, by Anissa Peterson. Okay, this piece isn’t actually part of the Art Institute collection. In fact, I’m not even sure you can find it online? But this was made by my friend Anissa as part of our summer program, and yes, she’s letting me talk about this. This is hands down one of my favorite paintings of all time. I was able to watch her go through the process of painting this and let me just tell you, she is magical. While I was struggling to recreate Calcifer (from Howl’s Moving Castle), she was next to me, literally making a masterpiece out of thin air. I love the way she uses such expressive brush strokes and how she keeps the color so clean and how she incorporates so much detail in such a small space. Literally the best artist I know.
Obviously, my favorites aren’t limited to these five. Some honorable mentions are the Thorne Miniature Rooms, the glass paperweights (that I haven’t seen in a few years??), anything with children that look like adults, and all of the Ivan Albright paintings. But there’s so much more.
Anyway, if you find yourself with some extra time in the upcoming weeks, I’d suggest a trip up to the Art Institute. You never know what kind of enlightenment you’ll find.