Must-Do Movie: Leslie Buchbinder's 'Hairy Who And The Chicago Imagists'

By Carrie McGath in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 7, 2014 3:00PM

The Hairy Who and the Chicago Imagists occupies a space that celebrates the odd, the beautiful, the ugly, and the surreal, resulting in works permeated with a style that is unmistakable, alarming, and enviable. Leslie Buchbinder's documentary, The Hairy Who and the Chicago Imagists, is as colorful and as filled with momentum as the movement, the artwork, and the artists themselves. It shows Buchbinder's electric, lovely film-making, the amazing and beautiful perversity ingrained in this profoundly significant circle of artists who are the backbone of Chicago art.

These artists, inspired by highbrow artists like Giorgio de Chirico and Surrealism, along with the lowbrow of Chicago street flea markets and musicians, carnivals, and comic book artwork, bred this intense group of artists that Buchbinder conveys in this film seamlessly. This documentary is one that must be seen by all Chicagoans and art lovers, as well as anyone who wants to feel superbly inspired (since I cannot imagine this film not adding a good wind to the flight of your fancy).

At The Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. For the full screening schedule and panels that will be happening through Thursday, October 9th, please visit the Siskel's website.