Expo Chicago

"A conversation between cultures, artistic styles, and generations — where contemporary expression meets timeless tradition."

SmithDavidson Gallery is pleased to present a curated selection of works at Expo Chicago that creates a dialogue between Australian First Nations art and international contemporary voices from a variety of backgrounds. The presentation includes significant works by Emily Kam Kngwarray, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Esther Giles Nampitjinpa and Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri—highlighting the deep cultural and visual traditions of Australia’s First Nations artists.

SmithDavidson Gallery also features modern and contemporary pieces by Marcel Pinas, Matthijs Scholten, Sam Francis and Carlos Cruz-Diez among others. Through this thoughtful juxtaposition, the presentation for EXPO Chicago seeks to bridge the gap between Non-Western and European contemporary art, positioning Australian First Nations art within a wider art historical framework.

Pinas draws on his Maroon Surinamese roots, a diaspora heritage which is deeply embedded in both the themes and materials of his work. Scholten references a range of influences, from Black American culture to post-war European movements—most notably CoBrA, resulting in boldly energetic works of art. Both artists engage with aesthetics often linked to outsider art, primitivism, and symbolic storytelling. Their work has recently been featured in museum exhibitions, including at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum Vianen, and Museum Singer Laren.

In addition to its main presentation, SmithDavidson Gallery is proud to participate in IN/SITU, Expo Chicago’s large-scale installation program. As part of this initiative, the gallery will present works by The Pwerle Sisters, Patrick Olodoodi Tjungurrayi, Tjunkiya Napaltjarri and Makinti Napanangka.