Influx of Chicago Street Art

Recently I've noticed an influx of street art in Chicago. The latest incarnation that seems to have cropped up over this past weekend is a collection of cartoon-style illustrations on wheat-pasted paper. Some of the art appears to be hand-painted (Hubbard-Peoria) while others seem to be digital or large-scale photocopies (Grand-Green & other unphotographed pieces), however both sets are evidently cut out by hand-- following the art's contours. Emily and I have seen two other pieces in the Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village area, which I hope to post soon-- one at the garage/storefront under rehab just East of Damen & Division, and the other on a residential-storefront on the Northwest corner of Damen & Thomas. What I love most about the two pieces I have posted is the fact that they are not in high-traffic areas-- especially the piece on Hubbard, a street where you could practically lay down in the street and listen to the Metra trains go by. I've included links to locations for each of the pieces-- if you're in Chicago, make sure you see them as soon as possible, as this kind of art exhibition never lasts long with Daley's Graffiti Busters protecting the streets.

Click images to see detail shots:


Hubbard & Peoria


Grand & Green

  8/11/2004