ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chicago Imagists

The Chicago Imagists were a group of artists who created weird, fantastical, and humorous artworks in the 1960s and '70s in Chicago. They were kind of like a bunch of friends who all enjoyed making art that was a bit unconventional.

Imagine you and your friends like to draw weird, exaggerated pictures of animals or people. Maybe you give a dog three eyes or a person a giant head. That's the kind of thing the Chicago Imagists did, too.

They wanted to make art that was different from what most people were used to seeing, and they were inspired by things like comic books, advertising, and folk art. They used bright, bold colors and often added text to their artworks. They also used materials like glitter and fake fur to create a playful, over-the-top effect.

The Chicago Imagists were important because they helped establish Chicago as an important center for contemporary art. They also influenced other artists and art movements, particularly in the United States.

Overall, the Chicago Imagists were a fun and unconventional group of artists who loved to create weird and wild artworks that made people smile.