First Solo Show of Chicago Artist Todros Geller Opens at Spertus Institute

SAIC alum and late Chicago artist Todros Geller (SAIC 1918–23) is having his first solo show in more than 70 years. WTTW Chicago reports that the Spertus Institute will be displaying his work in an exhibition called Strange Worlds, as a part of a yearlong Art Design Chicago initiative by the Terra Foundation for American Art. The Spertus Institute used to be the College of Jewish Studies, where Geller taught for many years. Known for depicting scenes of Jewish life and Chicago industry, Geller crossed boundaries not only between genres, but also between media. Susan Weininger, professor emerita at Roosevelt University, spoke to WTTW about the show; “there’s a term in Judaism called ‘Tikkun Olam,’ it means ‘repair of the world.’ And this was a very, very powerful idea in his work and the work of other Jewish artists at the time.”

Strange Worlds is on view at Spertus Institute through February 17, 2019.