CHICAGO ART EXPO 1986 ROGER BROWN POSTER

The red-streaked sky and the blue waters of Lake Michigan frame this design by Roger Brown of Festival Hall on Navy Pier in Chicago where the Chicago International Art Exposition is holding its annual art fair. But the focus isn’t on the water, the sunset or the historic building.  It's on the black silhouettes of the people (drawn in a way reminiscent of characters in a comic strip) attending the art show.  Against the yellow background, we can see from their body language that they are having a great time studying, discussing, critiquing and even creating the art. Can’t wait to go this year – that’s what the poster artist is hoping we’re thinking.

Roger Brown (1941-1997), who attended the Art Institute of Chicago, was considered part of the Chicago Imagist group which found inspiration from art outside New York, including that of self-taught artists, advertisements and comics.  Primarily a painter, he often drew cityscapes and landscapes that reflected aspects of contemporary life and current events and attitudes.  He is also known for his frequent use of silhouettes, as shown in this work, which add a bit of a comics-style quality to his art.

If you've been to Navy Pier, you'll love owning this poster.

Condition: A