- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Intuit: The Center For Intuitive & Outsider Art
Category: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Art Galleries [Edit]
756 N Milwaukee AveChicago, IL 60642
Neighborhoods: River West, Noble Square
(312) 243-9088
- Nearest Transit:
-
Chicago-Blue (Blue Line)
Grand-Blue (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 11 am - 5 pm
Thu 11 am - 7:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Katarina X. said: "Boyfriend's father has done some truly remarkable work for charity. When it was printed in the paper, I knew we had to get it properly saved... And not by hoarding a sad, tattered and yellowing clipping at the bottom of a random…" read more »
16 reviews for Intuit: The Center For Intuitive & Outsider Art
16 reviews in English
-
Review from Nessie V.
5/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Finally got to go here. Saw the Ulysses Davis show: Very nice. The place isn't huge, but they have a lot of stuff, especially with the recreated workroom of Henry Darger room.
There is a shop, which was not as amazing as everyone says. I didn't really see anything interesting, personally. Seems a good place for books though.
They now charge a $5 entrance fee, but it is worth it. -
Review from Elizabeth W.
Des Plaines, IL
2/13/2010
I was here for a "sneak preview" of the new Ulysses Davis sculptural show. Check out his evil Richard Nixon in the little gallery of Presidents!
Because this was an event associated with a fine arts conference, a curator opened the rope in the Henry Darger room and showed us some things that are usually not visible to the public, like some drawings and scrapbooks Darger made that are in the dresser drawers. He explained a little bit about how it was all preserved, which was fascinating. The room is plenty interesting on its own, but with the "special access pass" it was even better. This room is a permanent part of the museum, but the rest of the art changes, with different exhibitions of works by artists without formal training coming and going throughout the year. It looks like the Davis sculptures will be there until at least mid-March.
There's also study center with a library of books and documentaries about self-taught artists and their work. Some books are for sale in the gift shop, but I did not look to see if there is significant overlap with the study center collection.
Speaking of the gift shop, it's maybe the best museum gift shop I've visited. Yes, the MCA has cool Japanese toys and the Art Institute has magnets shaped like suits of armor, but if you want something like a calendar of random American mug shots from the early/mid 20th century, random family snap shots apparently gleaned from antique malls, or bike tire bracelets, this is the place. There's just so much there in such a small space that I am sure I missed something really interesting.
Don't forget to donate when you go! There's nobody at the door, just a clear box to put money into, so put as little or as much as you want. It would be a shame to go without giving them anything, though, because the staff clearly works very hard and with great love at keeping this place special.Listed in: Wonderful with a Side of…
-
Review from Kimberly L.
IL
4/16/2008
As a pal of mine once said "sometimes art should just be looked at and not talked about." I am not an art critic and I don't pretend to have the knowledge to provide an extensive, insightful overview of this center. I do know that when I went last weekend I had a really good experience.
I saw the last day of "Least Wanted: A Century of American Mugshots
The Mark Michaelson Collection." The collection was comprised of thousands of mugshots from all eras. The Intuit web site summed it up best: "This is central casting for the Late Late Show of unvarnished reality, and the lineup is full of small-timers, those who have fallen through the cracks." Endlessly fascinating example of "found photography."
I also saw the Henry Darger Exhibition, which runs through June 28th. Darger was a bizarro and prolific Chicago "outsider" artist whose paintings and collages are colorful and creative. The exhibit focuses primarily on the Vivian Girls, a unusual collection of heroic young girls--some inexplicably with...um...boys' genitalia--as they fight various evil entities. I'm not going to pretend that I completely understand it but the work is really creative and innovative.
I particularly loved the recreation of Darger's cramped Lincoln Park studio. It's refreshing to see the artist's artifacts (and clutter) in this kind of context and in a way that seems very respectful to the artist himself. There's a really good story behind the reconstruction that you can read at the exhibit. I recommend spending the time to learn about Darger as well as the unique approach that the Center took to display his belongings.
I'm fairly new to the concept of "outsider art." I saw a great Martin Ramirez exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum and it got me very interested in learning more about these untrained and often unsung artists. Worth a look! (And, hey, it's free!) -
Review from Holly R.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2008
I don't care what's going on in the front gallery - the Henry Darger room will always be worth the trip. It's really creepy and intense in the best way.
When we went, the curator (I think that's who she was) stood and talked with us for way longer than necessary about Darger's work. It really felt like we were getting VIP treatment, plus we got to hear someone all sophisticated and dressed in business casual use the phrase "chicks with dicks."
And, you know, it's free, so you should probably just stop in and check it out. And buy something from the gift shop. -
Review from jay s.
5/13/2009
Intuit is a pretty amazing little space. If you are into folk, intuitive or "Outsider" art, it is definitely worth a stop.
Spaces of this kind are rare. In the name of art from the fringes: I ask others who are impatient with the size of the space or "lack of selection" to consider what you are asking the curators to assemble. Are you going to see "a bunch of stuff" or hoping to find one good piece that speaks to you? These types of work are often snapped up by private collectors or destroyed, I deeply respect the effort involved in assembling them for us to view for free.
The Darger Room is the focus of Intuit's space, its reason for being. Concerned volunteers managed to save artifacts from his studio/apartment - why it was torn down I've yet to understand. A small space (close to 10' square, if that) in the back of Intuit approximates a corner of Henry Darger's apartment. As a whole, I found the room a bit flat - a sanitized version of his space. I did enjoy seeing the bundles of his reference materials and art supplies, though.
The current exhibits are very relevant to Intuit's mission and valuable to the folk art /"Outsider" enthusiast: a selection of about 40 pieces including collage, sculpture & paintings from the Heartland and the work of Joseph Yoakum.
The shop, which thankfully is not a corporate art museum store, has some worthwhile publications and appropriate small items. You can feel good about supporting a worthwhile cause while picking up a good exhibition catalogue. I look forward to returning! -
Review from Gene W.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2009
I don't know how (read: why) I went so long without checking this place out. I suppose it was one of those things I took for granted, as in, I'll get around to visiting sometime. Usually those places are the places you should be visiting all the time, and Intuit is no exception.
My friend really wanted to check out their Darger Room, and she was not disapointed. The recreation of his living/work space was definitely a unique museum exhibit. I only wish that more of his work was visible from behind the little velvet rope.
What I really loved was the exhibit they've just extended, a collection of the works of Joseph Yoakum. The pieces are mostly landscapes said to be inspired by his world travels, though there is no confirmation that he actually set foot in all of these places. While a lot of them are of rural America, there were several cool landscapes of areas in South America and Sweden, if I remember correctly. Either way, there's something almost mythological about the concept, and when you throw his own unique eye, you get something special. At least three times I found myself reminded of a mushroom trip in Central Park.
The rest of the stuff in the front room ranged from "This is pretty excellent" to "OK, I could have done this as a child". I suppose given the genre that that's to be expected. The staff were super pleasant, the price was right (free) and the gift shop had about fifteen things I wanted to take home. If you've been thinking about going, go. -
Review from Jonathan W.
Chicago, IL
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
If I ever make $1,000,000,000 they will get at least $100,000,000. Passionate staff and interesting exhibits.
-
Review from Stephanie S.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2008
While Chicago boasts a slew of world-renowed institutions full of grand art, I am more comfortable at offbeat museums and galleries with quirky collections and fun exhibits. Located on the east end of Noble Square, Intuit creates this unique vibe with its clean, cozy space and progressive programming.
"Outsider" art usually has strange connotations and often is very emotionally draining and disturbing, but the careful curation and judicious use of layout make Intuit a place to explore these types of reactions to what are truly different types of art. They also feature lectures and walk-throughs to delve further into their current and permanent exhibitions, and their gift shop is chock-full of sweet ephemera.
Be sure to pick up Intuit's complimentary "Outsider" publication, which illuminates their specific concept and overall vision.
Overall, a real gem in the roster of Chicago's eclectic galleries. -
Review from Laura G.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2008
Intuit is a one-of-a-kind place. Most of their shows and lectures are edifying and worthwhile. I like the Darger room, though it is "prettified" and not at all what Henry left... That said, Intuit is a place for all those artists lost to obscurity. Save the "new" outsider artsist that glom onto the genre like Chris Hipkiss-he's a so/so artist with nothing but an ability to imitate TRUE outsiders- like Darger and Augustin Lesage. I think he just thought draw like an architect and affix some penises to nymphs...that's the formula.
Tisnikar, painter of death
Publisher: 1978 New York Summerfield Press. Hardcover 4to. Color illustrations
Joze Tisnikar worked on the night-shift in the Pathology Dept. of the Hospital in Slovenj Gradec, a Slovene town in the foothills of the Alps. He suffered nervous breakdowns and alcoholism but triumphed over himself to become a great painter..
He was also a Catholic, practicing. Little is found online,I have access to the book: Tisnikar, painter of death-I will post more info. to add to the biographical information available about him online. I may even add a Wiki entry- in the name of accuracy.
This begins my chronicling of Catholic mostly,but others too, outsider artists. I am in love already.
Tisnikar worked in a hospital's morgue, Darger was a janitor in one- I have worked in one too.
He took photographs of the morgue's guests, an art in and of itself, and painted the scenes too. -
Review from Heather L.
Terre Haute, IN
6/11/2009
I've gone on multiple occasions and have never been let down. It's quite a trek from my home in Hyde Park but it's definitely worth the travel. My personal favorite exhibit was mug shots from the 1920s-1930s.
I love the idea that art can come from anyone as a means of expression. I love that people who aren't considered "artists" have a place to display their work.
Best of all? It's free! -
Review from Lois A.
Chicago, IL
4/12/2010
I love this place. The first time I came here I discovered they had Wesley Willis stickers and that they were free. My heart soared. What a great day. I could not feel more welcome when I am here and they have an awesome gift shop.
Last weekend I had the pleasure of looking over the Ulysses Davis exhibit. Wow! I try never to take for granted how lucky I am to have a place like this just down the street. -
Review from Jef B.
Sacramento, CA
2/13/2010
At least one reviewer states that having institutions preserve outsider art somehow cheapens the art; to which I respond, there might not be preserved outsider art if it were not for the art establishment's protection. Darger's work could easily have found its way to a dumpster instead of to a museum, if it were not for the protection and grace of gifted connoisseurs. INTUIT is one such sanctuary.
We attended the Ulysses Davis exhibit this weekend and found the presentation, space, and lighting delightful. Chicagoans who have not yet been to INTUIT are doing themselves a disfavor - Go!
Also notice the museum's website has a calendar of art lectures. Become more savvy about the art and meet other members of the interested public.
I agree with other reviewers that I was expecting more of Darger's work at INTUIT besides just the Darger room. Not necessarily a criticism . . . after seeing "In the Realms of the Unreal" I was hoping for more Darger, that's all. -
Review from Colleen M.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2008
Definitely worth a visit. It's small, but free, and easily accessible on the Blue Line. The Henry Darger Room is underwhelming, but the exhibits in the main room are pretty cool, like the recent retrospective on Lee Godie. The gift shop is full of neat little trinkets and books, too.
-
Review from Jonathan A.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2009
I don't know if my one visit was a good representation of what this place has to offer on most days, but I was pretty underwhelmed by the selection of Outsider art. I mean, the Darger room is cool and seems to be the centerpiece of the Intuit, but there was only one Darger drawing displayed. And I was also hoping to see a greater cross section of well known outsider artists. The exhibition of wood scultpures and miscellaneous pieces in the main room were not very exciting. And the gift shop had some things for sale that made it feel almost like a garage sale. Like old B&W photos for $.50. Ok, maybe in an antique market.
We came for a performance of the Flea Circus which was completely sold out and had gotten good reviews. Ticket's were $12 for the hour long show. The first half hour was the guy selling trinkets like a miniature program and little magnifying glass to the crowd for $.25. The last half hour was a pretty lame ruse of a couple fleas doing a total of 3 tricks which amounted to almost nothing. I had some vague idea of what a flea circus entailed, and I appreciated the nostalgia, audience participation and "lost-art" of the show, but I was hoping for a little more 'smoke and mirrors' and theatrical elements, and even a better performance by the ringmaster. There were a lot of kids and I think even they were pretty underwhelmed with it all. Most of the crowd seemed to leave the show confused and feeling conned. Which is the idea I guess. But in the end, you just feel you were duped out of $12.
The gallery is free, so I guess you can't complain. The only thing that caught my interest was a Wesley Willis DVD for sale. But I passed. -
Review from M H.
Chicago, IL
5/21/2011
This place is great, and practically one-of-a-kind (besides the bigger, actual museum of outsider art in Baltimore). They did start charging $5 for admission; however the opening nights are still free. They also have an annual used clothes sale, which was today. I like going to it, however this year they didn't have a half-off sale the last hour. Instead, they're opening for 2 extra hours tomorrow. This seems a bit unfair, especially as a few of the people associated w/the place were whispering about the discount--obviously they didn't want the current shoppers to know. I only spent a fourth as much money as last year due to everything being full-price til the end. But it isn't something to hold against Intuit.
-
Review from Greg W.
IL
3/16/2007
This is a very special place. The city is lucky to have it. Check it out if you haven't already. Then support it (it's a non-profit) and bring more friends next time you go. It's a friendly gallery, which is not something you'll find in large cities very often, and the art is stellar. You don't have to be familiar with 'Outsider Art' to get into it, either. They have a fun little shop area, too, with cool books and funky gift items.
