These questions were generated by ChatGPT under the guidance of Chicago artist Stevie Hanley as part of his SCR2W (Surviving Capitalism Ready to Wear) project. The questions are meant to highlight the economic, social, and political issues that accompany art fairs such as CHICAGO EXPO. Our editor in chief, Michel Ségard, selected images he took at EXPO CHICAGO 2023 that address the the issues in each section.
Section 1: Addressing Systemic Racial Inequalities and Empowering Underrepresented Voices
1. How can CHICAGO EXPO use its platform to challenge racial inequalities within the art world and amplify the voices of artists of color?
2. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO empower underrepresented artists and create a space where their work is celebrated and valued?
3. How might CHICAGO EXPO embrace diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that artists from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to showcase their talent?
4. What steps can CHICAGO EXPO take to foster an environment that values and promotes artistic expressions that challenge traditional norms and celebrate diverse identities?
Holley Wilson, Bloodline, Keeper of the Seeds, 2021. Unique cast bronze with patina, cedar, and steel, 30 × 98 × 18 inches. Presented by Center or Native Futures/Chicago.
Section 2: Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility
5. How can CHICAGO EXPO ensure that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can engage with and appreciate the art on display?
6. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO make the art fair accessible to people with disabilities and create an inclusive environment for all visitors?
7. What initiatives can CHICAGO EXPO undertake to engage communities that have historically been excluded from the art world and bridge the accessibility gap?
8. How might CHICAGO EXPO collaborate with local organizations to provide art education and outreach programs that promote inclusivity?
Section 3: Embracing Gender Representation and Challenging Norms
9. How can CHICAGO EXPO showcase artworks that challenge traditional gender norms and celebrate the spectrum of gender identities?
10. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO support and promote gender diversity among artists, curators, and art professionals?
11. What financial opportunities exist for CHICAGO EXPO to collaborate with artists and organizations that are at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in the art world?
12. How might CHICAGO EXPO create spaces and events that foster dialogue and exploration of gender representation in art?
Section 4: Fostering Cross-Cultural Exchange and Dialogue
13. How can CHICAGO EXPO create an environment that encourages cross-cultural exchange and dialogue among artists and visitors?
14. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO celebrate and showcase the diverse cultural perspectives represented in the art world?
15. What initiatives can CHICAGO EXPO undertake to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultural traditions and artistic expressions?
16. How might CHICAGO EXPO collaborate with international artists and organizations to foster global artistic connections and exchange?
Suchitra Mattai, Rags to Riches, 2023. Vintage saris, ribbon, and fringe,
100 x 100 inches. Born in Guyana, the work relates to Mattai's heritage as an Indo-Caribbean woman. Presented by Kavi Gupta Gallery.
Section 5: Inspiring Empathy and Social Connection
17. How can CHICAGO EXPO engage visitors in interactive art installations and immersive experiences that inspire reflection, empathy, and dialogue?
18. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO create opportunities for visitors to connect emotionally with the art and the stories behind it?
19. What role can art play in fostering empathy and understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds?
20. How might CHICAGO EXPO collaborate with artists and organizations that use art as a medium for social change and community engagement?
One of several collaborative pieces created by incarcerated youth that were featured in the “Can you see me?” exhibition at Weinberg/Newton Gallery 2022. Presented by SkyArt/Chicago.
Section 6: Addressing Pressing Social Issues through Art
21. How can CHICAGO EXPO highlight artists whose work addresses pressing social issues such as climate change, inequality, and human rights?
22. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO ignite conversations and raise awareness around important social topics through the power of art?
23. What platforms and events can CHICAGO EXPO create to encourage dialogue and action on social issues within the art community and beyond?
24. How might CHICAGO EXPO collaborate with local activists and organizations to create art projects that drive positive change in the community?
Richard Bell, Emory Douglas, 2023. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Bell's art practice exists in parallel with the ongoing struggle for First Nations rights in Australia.
Section 7: Collaborating with Local Communities and Educational Institutions
25. What opportunities exist for CHICAGO EXPO to collaborate with local schools and educational institutions to promote art education and engage young artists?
26. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO partner with local communities to co-create art installations and events that reflect the identity and aspirations of the region?
27. How can CHICAGO EXPO involve local businesses and organizations in supporting and sponsoring art initiatives that benefit the community?
28. What initiatives can CHICAGO EXPO undertake to ensure that the benefits and opportunities of the art fair extend beyond the event itself and have a lasting impact on the local community?
The booth of the University of Chicago, Department
of Visual Arts/Chicago at EXPO CHICAGO 2023.
Section 8: Exploring New Digital Frontiers in Art
29. How can CHICAGO EXPO leverage digital technologies to enhance the exhibition experience and reach a wider audience?
30. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO incorporate virtual and augmented reality to create immersive art experiences for visitors?
31. What opportunities exist for CHICAGO EXPO to collaborate with digital artists and innovators pushing the boundaries of art and technology?
32. How might CHICAGO EXPO balance the use of digital platforms with the preservation and appreciation of traditional artistic mediums?
Section 9: Sustaining and Supporting Artists in the Post-Pandemic Era
33. How can CHICAGO EXPO support artists in overcoming the challenges and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic?
34. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO contribute to the recovery and revitalization of the art industry in the aftermath of the pandemic?
35. What initiatives can CHICAGO EXPO undertake to provide artists with sustainable income and career development opportunities?
36. How might CHICAGO EXPO collaborate with art galleries, collectors, and patrons to create a supportive ecosystem for artists?
Section 10: Celebrating the Legacy of Dolly Parton and Her Impact on Art and Culture
37. How can CHICAGO EXPO pay homage to Dolly Parton's contributions to art and culture through exhibitions, performances, or dedicated events?
38. In what ways can CHICAGO EXPO explore the intersection of Dolly Parton's music, persona, Lipstick Feminism in participation with surviving capitalism, and artistic influence?
39. What opportunities exist for CHICAGO EXPO to collaborate with artists who have been inspired by Dolly Parton's work or share similar themes in their creations?
40. How might CHICAGO EXPO honor Dolly Parton's philanthropic efforts and use her legacy to inspire social change through art?
Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!
ChatGPT
Phyllis Stephens, Travel Advisor, 2023 Richard Beaver Gallery.
Alex Scott, Hippo Eating a Watermelon, 2019. Acrylic on canvas, 30 × 40 inches. Presented by Arts of Life–Circle Contemporary, a studio and gallery devoted to artists with intellectual and physical handicaps.
Wole LAGUNJU, Comfortable in My Own Skin. Oil on Canvas, 73 1/2 x 56 inches. Presented by Montague Contemporary.
Mads Christensen, Fluidity, 2023. Aluminum, steel, LEDs, acrylic, custom software, 2023 72 × 57 × 57 inches. Presented by Timothy Yarger Fine Arts.