Celebrating EXPO CHICAGO 2025 at Soho House
Members from all over the world joined us as they arrived in the city for the contemporary art fair
Wednesday 30 April 2025 By Chloe Lawrance
Scroll on to see some of the highlights.
Panel: HYPERREAL: Identity, Myth, and Memory
Tuesday 22 April
Kicking off proceedings in the House, we were joined by the artists behind HYPERREAL: Identity, Myth, and Memory, an exhibition curated by Ché Morales in partnership with BAPE x THE OG. The panel, which featured Morales alongside artists Brandon Breaux and Yvette Mayorga, explored how identity, narrative and mythology shape artistic expression in Chicago. They discussed the sensitivities and excitement that goes into creating a city of transformation, where neighbourhoods carry ancestral weight, public art becomes political, and myth often feels more real than fact.
In Conversation: Devan Shimoyama and Jo Reinert
Wednesday 23 April
Timed with his exhibition, Rituals, which is currently on view at the Ulrich Museum of Art, we invited Devan Shimoyama to sit down with the curator of modern and contemporary art, Jo Reinert, for a conversation exploring his work and its connection to spirituality. Held in partnership with De Buck Gallery and the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University, the discussion explored recent collections like ‘The Barbershop Project’ and ‘Tarot’.
Wednesday 23 April
Members joined us to celebrate all things EXPO CHICAGO with a fifth-floor takeover party, in partnership with West Loop’s Anthony Gallery, which saw Filipina-American DJ, gallerist, and curator Francine Almeda take to the decks. Guests included Devan Shimoyama, Hebru Brantley, Don C, Easy Otabor, and Runsy.
Thursday 24 April
Allowing members to tap into their inner creativity, we were joined by Chicago artist Moises Salazar for a practical workshop. Attendees created works that explored identity through the materials often used in Salazar’s own practice, including glitter, collage and textiles, drawing inspiration from fashion and drag culture. The workshop was especially inspiring, with a selection of the artist’s work installed on the ground floor of the House throughout the week.
Friday 25 April
We hosted a dinner in collaboration with Frieze magazine, inviting EXPO contributors and other key players in the local art world to join together to celebrate their accomplishments. Founder of creative studio Eye Eaters, Paul Octavious, used AI to create ‘name monster’ place cards for guests, including Soho House’s Head of Member Events for North America, Mel Holmes, and Art Collection Manager Anakena Paddon.
Friday 25 April
We joined forces with the teams behind Frieze magazine and EXPO CHICAGO for the official launch party of the very first EXPO ART WEEK magazine. Guests got an exclusive look inside the inaugural issue as they met fellow members of Chicago’s creative community and scored tattoos by Tonydotsalot. The soundtrack for the night was provided by DJ duo Roi Turbo, and in the Music Room resident DJ Quin Kirchner kept members dancing.
Saturday 26 April
Bringing the Rose City to Chicago for EXPO week, Soho House Art Collection Manager Anakena Paddon moderated a panel with ILY2 senior director Jeanine Jablonski, artists Melanie Flood and Ralph Pugay, and Kristan Kennedy, artistic director and curator of visual art for the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. With more than 140 works by 63 artists, the collection responds to the unique creative community in Portland, and takes a diverse and inclusive approach to artists at various stages of their career.
EXPO fair tour led by Anakena Paddon
Sunday 27 April
Members met Soho House’s Art Collection Manager Anakena Paddon for an exciting tour of some of her favourite galleries around Navy Pier’s annual art fair, which includes exhibitors from all over the world.
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