"Chicago" Pat. No. 1, 910, 193 1980

Charles Bell painted "Chicago" using oil on canvas, sometime before his death in 1995. Bell was one of the leading figures in the Photorealist movement, which emerged in the United States in the late 1960s and challenged the dominance of Abstract Expressionism. Photorealists sought to reproduce photographic images with meticulous detail, often focusing on everyday objects and scenes. Here, Bell turns his attention to toys, elevating them to the status of high art. The painting’s title refers to a particular type of roller skate and the painting’s composition creates meaning through cultural references and historical associations. Roller skating was a popular pastime in mid-century America, especially among children. It was associated with freedom, fun, and the open road. The marbles, too, evoke childhood memories. To understand Bell's work better, we might consider the rise of consumer culture in America, the changing role of childhood, and the politics of representation in the art world. By researching these elements, we can better understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped this remarkable work of art.