Art Chicago
Many of the city’s great cultural institutions date as far back as the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. This was the fair that put Chicago on the world map as an exceptional city. Not only does
an artistic fair reflect the prestige of the local community, it also brings in
international influence and perspective. Historically, expositions and fairs were of immense importance to the city; and still to this day, they herald style, class and international influence. Artropolis is no exception to the rule. And, 2008 is expected to be the largest, most prolific and most refined international arts fair that the city of Chicago has seen
in decades.

This year with 180 hand selected galleries representing 56 international cities from 18 countries to showcase the work of over 2,000 renowned artists, Artropolis transposes an exciting amalgamation of the arts into the heart of Chicago at the purposefully renovated 12th floor of the Merchandise Mart. Artropolis is the umbrella moniker for Art Chicago and
four other fairs that run in conjunction with it, each showcasing a different style or period of art. In addition, Art Chicago is hosting a series of lectures, panel discussions and open forums to discuss various aspects of art, all monitored and hosted by panels of respected experts in the international art world.

This year marks an acknowledgement of Chicago’s commitment to the arts with the return of many outstanding international galleries. In our conversation with Tony Karman, the vice president of Art Chicago, to ground this point, he referenced the fact that dealers who haven’t been to Chicago in years are coming back now, “due to the confidence inspired in Chicago’s acquisition of the show in 2006” and the dramatic growth and prestige that Art Chicago has cultivated in just two short years. “Galleries – from Chicago to Seoul, from Paris to Los Angeles – will offer an extraordinary experience for art collectors, curators and art enthusiasts, showcasing works of more than 2,000 artists in a variety of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, prints and
video installations,” opined Karman.

With these impressive indicators, Artropolis is sure to be a massive success again this year. An international draw will continue to put the spotlight on Chicago as a world-class city which hosts a flourishing culture of the arts of all sorts.
www.artropolischicago.com
-Kari Skaflen