Diana Solis & Patric McCoy: Just Below The Surface
@ Chicago Art Department
1926 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
Opening Saturday, September 14th, from 7PM - 11PM
On view through Sunday, October 27th
Just Below The Surface re-envisions existing LGBTQ+ narratives to examine and celebrate the enduring legacy and transformative histories of Chicago’s Black and Brown communities.
The exhibition unveils an exploration of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ photographic history through the eyes of Diana Solís and Patric McCoy. The artists are prolific photographers whose work encapsulates the vibrant life of Black and Brown communities from the late 70s to the early 90s in the city. Co-curated by Cristobal Alday and Carlos Flores, this exhibition bridges diverse narratives across racial and social landscapes—revealing the interconnectedness of these communities through intimate, everyday scenes rather than mere documentation.
Diana Solís and Patric McCoy, both with backgrounds in Science and Engineering (STEM) and photography, offer a deeply personal glimpse into their lived experiences. Solis captures the Lesbian spaces of the North and Lower West Sides, exhibiting photographs that resonate with the vibrancy of communal and activist events. Patric’s lens focuses on the Men for Men, underground scenes on the Southside. His photographs emphasize the social dynamics of Black men. The artists’ works converge on shared spaces such as the Warehouse, highlighting the threads and intersectionality within Chicago’s LGBTQ+ geographies.
Featuring over twenty photographs and various ephemera, this duo exhibition constructs a visual framework of social actions, movement-building, and intimate gatherings. An interactive 16′ map invites viewers to share their memories, contributing to the research and unearthing of lost and erased Queer spaces across Chicago—spaces deeply connected to the communities Patric and Diana were part of. Together, the photographers’ works, along with the memories shared by both artists and viewers, seek to uncover, celebrate, and expand the historicization of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ history.
Opening Night: Chicago Art Department’s 20th Anniversary Crystal Ball, September 14th, 7-11 PM
Tickets for the opening can be purchased below. Use the code CAD for a discount! All proceeds go toward supporting our residencies and fully funded program opportunities for 2025.
Closing Reception: October 26, 4-7 PM
Exhibition Programs – October 2024, led by Archivist and Researcher Amanda Cervantes, to be announced soon!
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