Karl Wirsum

Born on the South Side of Chicago, Karl Wirsum explored pop culture references, rhythm and blues music, and Chicago’s urban landscape in his paintings and drawings. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1961, he formed the Hairy Who, a group of artists who worked and put on exhibitions at the Hyde Park Art Center. Their members included Jim Falconer, Art Green, Gladys Nilsson, Jim Nutt, Suellen Rocca, and Karl Wirsum. Wirsum, alongside other members of the group, transformed Chicago’s artistic landscape and wove themselves into the fabric of the city’s national voice and artistic legacy. His work often features central, symmetrical subjects with bold outlines. Wirsum’s practice is heavily inspired by the Chicago community, as he pulls references from the heritage of the city and his close friendships.