Chicago Narratives: Finding a Creative Home

South Asia Institute | 1925 S. Michigan Ave. | RSVP HERE

Join Art Design Chicago for an in-depth conversation with Chicago-based artists Carlos Barberena, Indira Freitas Johnson, Melissa Leandro and Vida Sačić about their journeys of immigration and migration and the ways in which those life experiences have shaped their work. In this panel moderated by Hyde Park Art Center's Mariela Acuña, the artists discuss how Chicago and its culture have affected them and their art practices. 

Following the discussion, attendees are invited to engage with the artists via a Q&A session and light refreshments. 

Carlos Barberena is a Nicaraguan born, Chicago-based contemporary printmaker known for his relief prints and the use of images from pop culture, as well as from political and cultural tragedies. His work will be shown in Chicago as Catalyst, Intuit's inaugural exhibition in the newly-renovated museum beginning in April 2025. 

Indira Freitas Johnson identifies as a sculptor, cultural worker, peace activist and educator from Mumbai, India. The combination of art and activism has been a major thread of influence that is interwoven into her art and life. Her work is currently on view at Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art’s Agency: Craft in Chicago from the 1970s–80s and Beyond and South Asia Institute’s What is Seen and Unseen: Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago exhibition. 

Melissa Leandro is a first-generation U.S. Latinx artist of Costa Rican heritage whose practice lies between the media of drawing, painting and textiles. Her work is currently on view in Agency: Craft in Chicago from the 1970s–80s and Beyond at The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. 

Vida Sačić is a multidisciplinary Croatia-born, Chicago-based artist. Her work in print media explores issues of gender, immigration and labor, with an emphasis on research, process and community. Her work will be shown in Making an Impression: Immigrant Printing in Chicago at the Newberry Library starting Dec. 12, 2024.  

Image: Vida Sačić, Home Body Land, 2022.