The Chicago Imagists

An illustrated introduction to a group of innovative 1960s artists who thoroughly rejected art-world terms through their use of grotesque surrealism, cartoon energy and vivid color

This compact illustrated introduction to the work of the Chicago Imagists celebrates the grotesque surrealism, cartoon energy and vivid color of a group of innovative 1960s artists who thoroughly rejected art-world terms. These artists–who include those associated with the Hairy Who–are Roger Brown, Sarah Canright, James Falconer, Ed Flood, Art Green, Phil Hanson, Gladys Nilsson, Jim Nutt, Ed Paschke, Christina Ramberg, Suellen Rocca, Barbara Rossi, Karl Wirsum and Ray Yoshida. Together this group made art that spanned painting, drawing, sculpture, prints, comics and zines.

With approximately 100 illustrations the book features an introductory essay by curators Rosie Cooper and Sarah McCrory, an essay by art historian and curator Lynne Warren on the importance of the art scene in Chicago and individual texts on each artist.