Go Meet Magritte at the Art Institute of Chicago

Magritte, the popular Belgian surrealist painter, is the subject of a recently opened exhibit at the Art Institute and a great reason for art enthusiasts to find their way over there this summer. The exhibit, which runs through October 13, is a focused look at the artist’s work created between 1926 and 1983 in Brussels, Paris and London and includes some of his most recognizable paintings such as “Treachery of Images,” “The False Mirror” and “The Lovers." Be on the lookout for store windows honoring Magritte in the Loop and along the Mag Mile this month as well.

If you want to learn more about the artist, we highly recommend Magritte by Siegfried Gohr. It’s a well-researched, comprehensive look at Magritte’s life and art and includes some beautiful reproductions of his work. If that’s not enough, the library has plenty more books on Magritte for you to check out.

For children, D.B. Johnson’s Magritte's Marvelous Hat is a clever and engaging story and a great introduction to the artist. Booklist noted, “Johnson’s crisp, polished illustrations, filled with nods to the artist’s iconic imagery, celebrate Magritte’s clear, almost upbeat absurdity.”