Chicago has had the dubious distinction of being the most racially segregated city in the country. I think it still is according to racial distribution maps I have seen produced by the Census Bureau. The Chicago Tribune even reported on it in 2008!
I live north and I can go for days in my neighborhood without seeing a dark face that doesn't reside with me! And I get questioned about whether I live here on occasion, and often get inquiring looks.
The latest racial snub came from the Chicago Tribune Magazine last week. The Chicago Artists issue called "Art in Chicago" only seems to mention one African American artist. Richard Hunt's exhibition was named and not the one at the black-owned and renowned N'Namdi Gallery!
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In an article about buying art on line, no Chicago based sources for art were mentioned. The Chicago Artists Coalition was the first to come to my mind, as it showcases artists work and has for years! The Artslant site (www.artslant.com) has a Chicago section along with other major cities. Fine Art America presents artists from across the country and the world, allowing you to determine if artists live in Chicago.
The Trib is a national/international presence, but does it have to ignore the city and a large portion of its population? Congrats to Angel Otero for the cover photograph. I am happy that a Latino artist was included, but I personally know a lot of terrific artists who were left out.
How many copies of the paper would have sold if there had been a few local African American artists included? Guess we won't know! Read some of the articles for yourself. Below is a link from my search for the mag. I highlighted the phrase "brings you all things Chicago".
Chicago Tribune Magazine -- chicagotribune.com
Chicago Tribune Magazine brings you all things Chicago, including living, ... Art Institute President James Cuno recommends 5 can't-miss works in the new ...
www.chicagotribune.com/features/magazine/ -
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