Artwork can tell powerful stories and connect people from all walks of life, often by using no words at all. It shows how important it is to go BEYOND cultural and historical limits and recognize the vital parts of being human that transcend boundaries and barriers. World Art Day is a global celebration dedicated to enjoying fine arts across the globe. Art stimulates innovation and diversity – all of which were present and on exciting display at EXPO CHICAGO! 

For its 11th edition, the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art brought together 170 galleries spanning 75 cities and 29 countries, along with various engaging programs. I’m a huge fan of expos and the insights they offer into worlds outside of our everyday experiences. These dynamic hubs enable cultures and stories to converge to provide new perspectives, techniques, and ideas.

This year’s expo was inspiring for all art lovers and collectors. I had the incredible opportunity to meet many of the world-renowned artists and gallerists who attended EXPO CHICAGO and had their works on display, including my friend Mariane Ibrahim. Mariane is an extraordinary gallerist who showcases prominent international artists of the African diaspora through the Mariane Ibrahim Gallery. It’s always great to catch up and hear about her creative ventures!

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I also met two younger artists who embody the FUTURE of the art world: Swiss-American painter Nicolas Lambelet Coleman, whose work encompasses portraiture, still-life, and interior scenes, and French artist Raphaël Barontini who draws inspiration from honoring the legacies left by critical figures of historical liberation movements through a combination of photography, silk screen printing, painting, and digital prints.

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Experiencing different kinds of art can evoke all sorts of emotions and imaginative thoughts. Each piece of art takes you on a journey and helps you see things in new ways. I really enjoyed visiting works by Aboriginal Australian artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye, American artist Michael Gregory, and South African artists Zanele Muholi and Vivien Kohler. Their diverse backgrounds translate into their artwork and highlight such complex parts of history and the human condition that it’s hard not to feel something when you view them.

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Meeting Ron Segev of the Thierry Goldberg Gallery, gallerist Carole Kvasnevski, and artist Samuel Levi Jones were a few other fantastic parts of my EXPO CHICAGO experience. Art is a connective medium that fosters cross-cultural dialogue, encourages collaboration, and drives society forward. Whether it’s EXPO CHICAGO or any of the similar art expositions around the world, I encourage you to immerse yourself in an array of artwork to find endless inspiration and a deeper understanding of the world around you.

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On World Art Day, there is much to learn, share, and enjoy. Celebrate by supporting your local artists and either starting or adding to your own collection!