The exhibition guide summarizes highlights from What is Seen and Unseen: Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago, which explored the evolving history of South Asian art production and presentation in the city. Presented by the South Asia Institute and guest curated by Shelly Bahl, this multifaceted project combines archival research with contemporary artistic practices. The exhibition traced a narrative beginning with colonial-era perspectives—including documentation from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition’s Indian Pavilion—and spanned the past 25 years, highlighting the presence and contributions of South Asian American artists in Chicago’s exhibitions and cultural programs. The accompanying exhibition guide provides additional context, offering deeper insight into the artworks, artists, and histories represented in the exhibition.
The exhibition guide summarizes highlights from What is Seen and Unseen, which mapped the layered history of South Asian American art in Chicago, bridging archival records with contemporary expression. From colonial-era representations at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition to the dynamic work of artists over the past 25 years, the exhibition reflected on visibility, cultural memory, and the evolving role of South Asian artists in shaping the city’s creative landscape.
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An initiative of the Terra Foundation for American Art in partnership with artists and organizations across the city, Art Design Chicago is a series of events and exhibitions that highlight the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities.
