Raqib Shaw’s Paradise Lost. Image courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
A work by openly queer artist Raqib Shaw is among those being shown at the Art Institute of Chicago in the latter half of 2025.
“Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost” is currently at the venue and will actually be shown through Jan. 19, 2026. According to a description from the Art Institute, “Kashmir-raised, London-based artist Raqib Shaw debuts his more-than 100-feet-wide, 21-panel Paradise Lost (2009–25) at the Art Institute of Chicago, marking the first time all four chapters will be displayed. The magnificent allegorical painting takes viewers on a journey dense with symbolism and detail, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the redemptive power of beauty.”
The outspoken Shaw has discussed his sexuality with such outlets as Studio International.
Some of the other exhibits and works slated to be shown include “Pixy Liao: Relationship Material” (July 26–Dec. 8); “Charles Gaines: Night/Crimes” (Aug. 9, 2025–Feb. 1, 2026); “Bruce Goff: Material Worlds” (Dec. 21, 2025–March 29, 2026), featuring the works of the late architect who is buried in Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery; and “Elizabeth Catlett: ‘A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies’” (Aug.30, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026). “Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination” (Oct. 4, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026) will feature more than 85 works on paper by iconic artists, including Edvard Munch’s The Scream as well as items by lesser-known artists like Emilie Mediz-Pelikan and Léon Spilliaert.
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