Temperature Check
Pigment International invites Chicago’s Black visual artists and others in the Black art ecosystem to take part in Temperature Check: Taking the Pulse of Chicago’s Black Visual Artists in a Shifting America. Visual artists have always been documentarians of their time—reflecting movements, mourning loss, inspiring action, and archiving truth.
As America faces political, economic, and cultural shifts, we aim to listen and gather perspectives on how Chicago’s Black artists are navigating this pivotal moment. Pigment International is using its platform to listen, gather perspectives, and better understand how Chicago’s Black visual artists are navigating this pivotal moment. We invite you to share your experiences by answering five questions. Your responses will be collected and shared later this year with other Public Narrative outlets serving Chicago.
THEASTER GATES’ COMMISSION FOR OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER AN ODE TO BLACK CHICAGO
The Obama Presidential Center (OPC) has announced a significant new public art commission by acclaimed Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates, marking another major cultural milestone ahead of the Center’s anticipated 2026 opening. The expansive frieze, to be installed in the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, will serve as a visual and conceptual anchor for the building, foregrounding Black Chicago’s enduring legacies of creativity, self-determination, and resilience.
Drawing from the Johnson Publishing Company image archive and the Howard Simmons photographic collection, the commission continues Gates’ long-standing practice of elevating overlooked histories through the preservation and reinterpretation of archival materials.
THE SACRED STUDY OF BECOMING OPENS AT BERLIN'S RONEWA ART PROJECT
The online viewing room includes a video of Dr. Imeh, pictured above, in which he discusses the exhibition and his artistic approach. Images courtesy of Ronewa Project
The Sacred Study of Becoming, now open in Rowena Art Projects’ online viewing room and on Artsy, presents a contemplative collaboration with Nigerian/American artist and scholar Dr. Imo Nse Imeh. On view through February 6, 2026, the exhibition brings together ten works created between 2019 and 2024, offering a focused meditation on interiority, faith, and the slow work of transformation.
Working across drawing and painting, Dr. Imeh situates solitary figures within dense, immersive fields of ink, charcoal, and paint. These layered surfaces evoke both turbulence and quiet, positioning the human form as a site of endurance amid disruption.
BUTTER LOS ANGELES DEBUTS AT HOLLYWOOD PARK IN FEBRUARY
BUTTER Fine Art Fair is taking its artist-centered model west with the launch of BUTTER LA, its first expansion beyond Indianapolis. Debuting February 26–March 1, 2026, at Inglewood’s Hollywood Park, the four-day fair will unfold during Frieze Los Angeles Week, offering an independent, no-commission platform dedicated to artists of the African diaspora.
Produced by Stoodeo, the new production venture founded by GANGGANG co-founders Mali and Alan Bacon, BUTTER LA builds on five years of proven impact in Indianapolis while rooting itself in Los Angeles’ cultural ecosystem. The fair highlights emerging, mid-career, and established artists, prioritizing access, arts education, and community engagement alongside market visibility.
Pigment International is the premiere multimedia platform and cultural brand celebrating the global impact of Black fine art and artists. We connect galleries, artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts through signature events, publications,
and educational programs that elevate and celebrate Black fine art and its creators. As an independent, nonprofit established in 2018, we rely on the generosity of funders, sponsors, and donors.
The Pigmented Black Fine Art Faire in Chicago is a unique art fair that unites leading galleries, visionary artists, and influential organizations from the Midwest. As a Black-run fine art fair, it stands out in the national art landscape, offering a chance to experience transformative exhibitions and celebrate the richness of Black artistic expression.
Join us in this cultural renaissance as we elevate Black excellence and shape the future of fine art in Chicago. Pigmented is dedicated to championing self-reliance, recirculating Black dollars, and empowering us to write our own history and shape our future.
ART NEWS & EVENTS
GALLERISTS
As the proud owner of my art gallery, I am dedicated to showcasing the incredible talents of both emerging and established artists. My gallery serves as a vibrant space for creativity, where visitors can immerse themselves in a diverse collection of works that reflect unique perspectives and styles.
ARTISTS
At the Art Showing, we believe that every piece of art tells a story, and our event is dedicated to sharing these narratives with the world. Join us for an unforgettable day filled with stunning displays and the chance to meet talented artists from different backgrounds. This is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community.
EVENTS
Step into the world of imagination at the Local Event's winter art event! This exciting occasion showcases the incredible talent within our community, with various artists presenting their creations across different mediums. Our goal is to create an interactive experience where attendees can engage with the art and the artists themselves.