Growing up in Chicago has profoundly shaped Korean-American illustrator Katie Chung’s artistic style and practice, thanks to her daily immersion in diverse cultures, dynamic neighbourhoods, and rich histories. This vibrant city, with its blend of bustling energy and intimate community, offers endless inspiration, beautifully captured in Katie’s distinctly colourful style. Highlighting Chicago’s iconic landmarks and everyday street scenes, her work reflects the soul of a city that constantly evolves yet remains deeply connected.
How has growing up in Chicago influenced your artistic style and practice?
Growing up in Chicago exposed me to a wide variety of personalities, cultures, classes, spaces, histories, art, etc. I’ve absorbed so many types of art and learned about different styles and processes because of the resources and opportunities available in Chicago. There is so much life and constant change happening in this city but it’s also a place that can be intimate enough to find community and support.
Incorporating Chicago’s Culture and History into Art
What aspects of Chicago’s culture and history do you incorporate into your work?
It depends on the project, if the client requests a Chicago-themed mural I like to be considerate of the neighbourhood and the purpose it can bring to the space. I am drawn to highlighting the ordinary. I think about the perspectives of Chicago residents throughout their day and night. The landmarks, neighbourhoods, architecture, cultures, and landscapes that makeup Chicago are filled with so many cool shapes and forms that get incorporated into my art.
Can you describe the current state of Chicago’s creative scene and how it has evolved over the years?
It’s difficult to answer this because there are so many creative scenes here. I do feel the impact of social media, demand for diversity, experimental art fairs, and access to community-driven spaces has put less focus on high-end galleries and institutional spaces. I’ve also seen established galleries move further away from downtown and closer towards residential neighbourhoods. I am also seeing a rise in crafts and I love to see it, although I don’t think this is just a Chicago thing. What I hope to see is more funding for public art!
What Makes Chicago a Unique Hub for Artists
What makes Chicago a unique place for artists compared to other major cities do think?
I mentioned in my first response that Chicago is a big city that is loaded with opportunities but small enough to connect with people, communities and organizations. I feel like there is also a strong sense of blue-collar work ethic here that influences the art scene.
How do the diverse neighbourhoods of Chicago inspire your creative work?
There are so many different characteristics, cultures, people, architecture, and businesses that make up each neighbourhood that inspire my work. The shapes, colours, and sounds of the city are things I like to draw when I am asked to create Chicago-specific art.
Are there any specific locations in Chicago that you find particularly inspiring for your creative process?
I am most inspired by what is right outside my door. The sidewalk, the brick buildings, the way the trees line down the block, the noises of traffic, the parks, the people walking by, the weather, the food, all of it. Anything ordinary that happens every day that reflects life in Chicago often seeps into my drawing.
Top Art Galleries, Museums, and Creative Spaces in Chicago
What are some of your favourite art galleries, museums, or creative spaces in Chicago that you recommend visiting?
My favourite building in Chicago is the Cultural Center, everything about that building rules. The interior and exterior architecture, art galleries, quiet spaces, clean bathrooms, and it is a public building free to the public! My favourite museum is the Intuit Art Center, an art museum dedicated to showcasing folk art.
How does the artist community in Chicago support and inspire each other?
Through my experience in different art programs, classes and groups I’ve experienced and witnessed Chicago artists supporting each other simply through transparent conversations and showing up for each other. Talking to each other about art opportunities, sharing our real experiences with the different programs we have been involved with, advocating for each other, exchanging materials, resources and skills.
Can you tell us about any of your favourite commissions?
My favourite commission is my first mural for a reception room in one of the Facebook offices in downtown Chicago. This was an unexpected opportunity that completely changed my art career. I was never formally trained in painting but I have a background in printmaking and always loved drawing. I had no idea what I was doing but knew it had to get done! This first mural project was a great challenge that grew my artistic style and professional practice in a direction that I had never anticipated. I am grateful this opportunity came to me because it showed me my capabilities and gave me the confidence to dream big.
The Story Behind the 360 Chicago Observation Deck Mural
We LOVED seeing your work on the windows of the 360 Chicago Observation Deck – can you tell us a little bit more about the commission and your illustrations?
I was approached by 360 Chicago to create a mural for their Cloud Walk room. They gave me a tour and insight into the ideas behind this city attraction. As a Chicagoan, I admired the effort they put into featuring information about the Chicago that exists beyond downtown. I immediately knew I wanted to use imagery of different Chicago neighbourhoods. After some conversations with 360 Chicago I completed my concept. Locals Only is a mural inspired by the wide range of cultures, landmarks, and architecture that people encounter every day in Chicago. The floor is illuminated with a pattern of red and blue six-point stars that reference the Chicago flag. Each window illustrates different perspectives of Chicago neighbourhoods. The bungalow homes in Jefferson Park, the entrance gate in Chinatown, the Little Village Arch, Alison Saar’s Monument to the Great Northern Migration in Bronzeville, and views from the Red Line train in Wrigleyville and the Green Line train stop in Garfield Park. I used bold graphics and bright colours to attract people to come inside and interact with the room. Everything was hand-painted. If you look closely you can see the evidence of my hand and how much time and love that went into this mural.
Chicago is known for its vibrant public art. What are some of your favourite public art installations in the city?
I love the wacky black and white Jean Dubuffet’sMonument with Standing Beastthat sits in the middle of downtown. There’s also the intense mural,Prevent World War IIIin Pilsen near 18th and Western. There’s a mosaic mural that showcases the beauty of multiculturalism outside of the Colvin House in Edgewater made by teens in the After School Matters program. I also enjoy seeing murals painted by Chicago-based artists like Sentrock, Lauren Asta, Jesse Hora, Mac Blackout, Don’t Fret, Emmy Star Brown. Seeing their art around the city is inspirational!
Do you have any favourite bars, cafes, bookstores, or hidden gems where you like to unwind and gather inspiration?
One of my favourite restaurants is Manny’s Cafe, an old-school Jewish cafeteria-style deli that’s been open for 80 years! And they have parking!! My favorite view of the city of course is up on 360 Chicago Observation Deck, I highly recommend going during sundown.
ChicagoChicago creativesChicago Guidecreative travelcreativesIllustrationIllustratorsKatie CHung
