moniquemeloche proudly presents 25! —a landmark exhibition celebrating the gallery’s 25th anniversary featuring Luke Agada, Candida Alvarez, Arocha-Schraenen, Sanford Biggers, Antonius-Tín Bui, Justin Cooper, David Antonio Cruz, Davis/Langlois, Brendan Fernandes, Dan Gunn, Chase Hall, Sheree Hovsepian, Rashid Johnson, Cindy Loehr, Jason Middlebrook, Lavar Munroe, Ben Murray, Maia Cruz Palileo, Ebony G. Patterson, Cheryl Pope, Karen Reimer, Carlos Rolón, Joel Ross, Carrie Schneider, David Shrobe, Arvie Smith, Shinique Smith, Jake Troyli, and Nate Young. 

Since its founding in 2000 by Monique Meloche, the gallery has been a driving force in Chicago’s contemporary art scene, championing diverse and politically engaged voices while serving as an early advocate for groundbreaking talent. Artists such as Rashid Johnson, Amy Sherald, Ebony G. Patterson, and Sanford Biggers launched pivotal moments of their careers at moniquemeloche, contributing to the gallery’s far-reaching influence—both within the city and across the international art world.

Beyond the gallery walls, moniquemeloche has been deeply committed to curatorial and institutional outreach, ensuring its artists gain lasting recognition. Works by the gallery’s artists have entered the permanent collections of major institutions, including The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago, while their practices have been highlighted in significant museum solo exhibitions at El Museo del Barrio, The Pérez Art Museum Miami, and many others.

Renowned for its conceptually rigorous programming and dynamic, cross-media installations, moniquemeloche continues to push boundaries and spark critical dialogue both in its Chicago gallery and at art fairs globally. 25! honors the artists who have shaped its legacy, presenting a powerful mix of historic and new works that will span the entire gallery.