Strange Realities: The Symbolist Imagination

Symbolism is among the most complex art movements to define. Although it followed on the heels of Impressionism, whose imagery was accessible and bright, Symbolism’s dark and mysterious vocabulary is far less known.

This exhibition features works on paper by iconic Symbolist artists such as Norwegian Edvard Munch, as well as lesser-known figures like the Austrian Emilie Mediz-Pelikan, the Belgian Léon Spilliaert, Jean Delville, and the French Gustav Adolf Mossa. Drawn from the Art Institute of Chicago’s rich and historic collection of drawings and prints, including the largest collection in America of the French Odilon Redon and Paul Gauguin, this display features over 85 works that capture the beauty and strangeness of a mysterious generation of artists.

The exhibition takes place at the Art Institute of Chicago, 11 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603 from October 4, 2025 – January 5, 2026.

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