Chicagoist's Art Picks: The Kehinde Wiley Designed Them Things? Edition

By Ben Schuman Stoler in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 9, 2010 6:40PM

Kehinde Wiley has one of the most distinctive and beautiful artistic approaches to expressions of black experience around. You've probably seen some of his massive portraits, parroting and twisting classic portraits of power. He's also got his stuff on some hot new Pumas. (And these beautiful cleats for the World Cup.)

Anyway, he's speaking on a panel discussing African-American contributions to art at the AIC at 6:30 tonight alongside Dawoud Bey and Theaster Gates. It's free with an RSVP and is just the beginning of a busy night at the AIC.

Because right before his show at Schuba's tonight, Dan Black is DJing a set at the AIC's After Dark party tonight from 9-midnight. AIC's After Dark parties are basically blowouts in the Modern Wing, and there's just nothing classier than chill chillin' in there. Our suggestion: go see the Matisse exhibition after work (free from 5-8), picnic/drink a bottle of wine at Millenium Park, and then come back for After Dark.

If you want to get out of downtown, this is also the second Friday of the month which means art party time in Pilsen. The galleries on Halsted and elsewhere will be open, and definitely worth checking out. Looks like it's going to be a clear night for walking around, too.

Lastly, Paul Klein brought some massive sculptures by Steve Tobin at the Morton Arboretum. Weekend day trip anyone?

Klein also tipped his cap at a little deal to get quite a deal on tickets for the upcoming art expos. Dig it.