Chicago, United States of America
Chicago, United States of America
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Post Graduate Fees International Students
Ivan Albright was an American painter known for his highly detailed, hyper-realistic paintings. His work often focused o... View More
Ivan Albright was an American painter known for his highly detailed, hyper-realistic paintings. His work often focused on themes of decay, time, and human mortality. Albright's most famous work is The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was used in the 1945 film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel. His art has been displayed in major museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Albright's detailed, expressive style set him apart in the American art scene. View Less
Thomas Hart Benton was an influential American painter and muralist, associated with the Regionalist art movement. His m... View More
Thomas Hart Benton was an influential American painter and muralist, associated with the Regionalist art movement. His murals, depicting scenes of American life, can be found in public buildings across the United States. Benton’s work celebrated the everyday experiences of ordinary Americans, and he was a vocal advocate for regionalism in American art. He became a major figure in the 20th century American art scene, influencing generations of artists. His style is characterized by dynamic compositions and vibrant colors. View Less
Roger Brown was an American artist best known for his figurative paintings and works inspired by popular culture, archit... View More
Roger Brown was an American artist best known for his figurative paintings and works inspired by popular culture, architecture, and social issues. Brown's use of bold colors and simplified forms helped him stand out in the art world. His work often explored themes such as identity, society, and personal experience. Brown was a prominent member of the Chicago Imagists, a group of artists known for their figurative and sometimes surreal work. His art continues to be celebrated for its unique, emotionally engaging style. View Less
John Chamberlain was an American sculptor famous for his use of crushed and welded automobile parts to create large, dyn... View More
John Chamberlain was an American sculptor famous for his use of crushed and welded automobile parts to create large, dynamic sculptures. His innovative approach to materials challenged traditional notions of sculpture and became a defining feature of his work. Chamberlain's abstract sculptures convey motion and energy, using the discarded materials of everyday life to create art. His work is part of major collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Chamberlain’s art blurred the lines between industrial materials and fine art. View Less
Eleanor Coen was an American painter and printmaker known for her abstract and figurative works. She studied under sever... View More
Eleanor Coen was an American painter and printmaker known for her abstract and figurative works. She studied under several prominent artists and was deeply influenced by European modernism. Coen’s work often explored themes of form, texture, and rhythm, combining abstraction with organic shapes. Her works have been displayed in various museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Coen was also active in promoting the arts in Chicago, contributing to its vibrant art scene. View Less
Tatsu Aoki is a Japanese-American artist, musician, and filmmaker known for his innovative work in the fields of visual ... View More
Tatsu Aoki is a Japanese-American artist, musician, and filmmaker known for his innovative work in the fields of visual arts and music. He is a leading figure in the Chicago Asian American community and a pioneer of jazz and experimental music in Chicago. Aoki’s art often incorporates his cultural heritage, exploring the intersections of identity, tradition, and modernity. He has been involved in both solo projects and collaborations, making significant contributions to the cultural landscape of Chicago. His multidisciplinary work has gained international recognition. View Less
Satoru Aoyama is a Japanese-American artist known for his works that blend Japanese traditions with contemporary art pra... View More
Satoru Aoyama is a Japanese-American artist known for his works that blend Japanese traditions with contemporary art practices. His work often explores the themes of identity, displacement, and the intersection of cultures. Aoyama’s art is characterized by a combination of traditional Japanese techniques and modern media. He has exhibited his works in several galleries and museums around the world. His unique perspective and approach to art have earned him critical acclaim in the global art scene. View Less
Jeremy Blake was an American artist known for his groundbreaking work in digital art, specifically video and animation. ... View More
Jeremy Blake was an American artist known for his groundbreaking work in digital art, specifically video and animation. His work explored themes of technology, identity, and the intersection of virtual and real worlds. Blake’s most famous work, The Blue Tapestry, was a striking example of digital art blending with traditional forms of painting and animation. He is remembered for his experimental approach to visual art, which had a profound impact on the use of digital media in contemporary art. Blake’s tragic death in 2007 brought an end to his promising career. View Less
Jeffrey Brown is a contemporary American artist and graphic novelist best known for his autobiographical comics. Brown�... View More
Jeffrey Brown is a contemporary American artist and graphic novelist best known for his autobiographical comics. Brown’s work often explores personal experiences, relationships, and the human condition, blending humor with poignancy. His most well-known works include Clumsy and Every Girl Is the End of the World for Me. Brown’s art has resonated with a wide audience, especially for its emotional depth and relatability. He continues to be a leading voice in independent comics and graphic literature. View Less
Paul Chan is an internationally recognized artist whose work spans video, sculpture, and installation art. His work ofte... View More
Paul Chan is an internationally recognized artist whose work spans video, sculpture, and installation art. His work often addresses political themes, freedom of expression, and the tension between art and activism. Chan’s most famous projects include The People's Guide to the Bush Administration and Waiting for Godot in New Orleans. His approach to art is deeply engaged with contemporary social issues, creating works that challenge the viewer’s perspective. Chan's work has been shown in major art institutions globally, cementing his position as one of the leading conceptual artists of his generation. View Less
The below information is required while
completing the university application :
Documents Required:
Applicants must submit high school transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio showcasing their artistic work. International students need proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) and a copy of their passport.
Entrance Test:
SAT/ACT scores are optional and not required for admission. The focus is on the portfolio and artistic potential.
Language Test:
Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL (minimum 82 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (minimum 110) scores.
Additional Requirements:
Some programs may require an interview or additional materials, such as a writing sample or sketchbook.
SAIC alumni have consistently achieved success at the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world. The Biennale is known for showcasing groundbreaking works in contemporary art, and SAIC graduates have been featured as artists, curators, and commissioners over the years. Their work has contributed to global dialogues about contemporary art, often exploring critical themes such as identity, politics, and social change.
Several SAIC faculty members and alumni have received the MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius” Fellowship, which is awarded to individuals with extraordinary creativity in their field. This achievement highlights the caliber of individuals associated with SAIC and recognizes the school’s ability to foster exceptional talent. The fellowship allows artists to pursue their work without financial constraints, enabling them to create groundbreaking contributions to the field of art.
SAIC has played a key role in shaping Chicago’s urban development and public art initiatives. The school’s faculty and alumni have contributed to the city’s vibrant public art scene, including projects like the Cultural Plan for Chicago and public artworks scattered throughout the city. SAIC’s commitment to community engagement through art has helped Chicago maintain its status as an international center for public art.
In 2009, the Art Institute of Chicago opened the Modern Wing, designed by architect Renzo Piano. This expansion created a space for modern and contemporary art and strengthened the relationship between SAIC and the museum. The Modern Wing is one of the most innovative museum spaces in the world, and its creation further solidified Chicago’s standing as a major hub for the visual arts. The new space also allows SAIC students and faculty to engage with cutting-edge art in a world-class environment.
In the 2000s, SAIC became one of the leading institutions in integrating digital media and technology into its curriculum. The school has continually pushed the boundaries of traditional art by embracing new forms of media such as virtual reality, interactive installations, and digital design. SAIC’s innovative approach has provided students with the tools to experiment with new technologies, helping them stay at the forefront of contemporary creative practices.
SAIC has been a leader in environmental sustainability, both within its campus and through its curriculum. The institution has integrated sustainable design principles into its academic offerings and initiatives, training students to approach art and design with an awareness of ecological impact. This commitment is reflected in various campus initiatives, including eco-friendly architecture, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient practices. SAIC's efforts promote a holistic understanding of art, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility.
In the 1970s, SAIC established its Arts Administration and Policy program, one of the first of its kind in the United States. The program was designed to prepare students for leadership roles in museums, galleries, nonprofit organizations, and other arts institutions. It continues to be an essential component of SAIC’s academic offerings, preparing students to shape the future of the arts sector with a focus on organizational management and policy advocacy.
SAIC launched the nation’s first Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in Art Therapy in 1940, setting the foundation for the intersection of art and mental health. This program has grown to be one of the leading art therapy programs in the United States. It demonstrates the school’s commitment to applying artistic practices to social and psychological healing, offering students an opportunity to combine artistic expression with therapeutic methodologies. SAIC's program has influenced the development of art therapy as a recognized field of practice.
In the late 19th century, SAIC played a pivotal role in the development of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Led by teachers like William Morris, this movement championed handmade craftsmanship and design as a counter to industrialization. It influenced the design of everyday objects, architecture, and fine art in America. SAIC’s leadership in this movement helped define the modern American aesthetic, promoting an appreciation for craft and design.
In 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago established its own collection, which has grown into one of the most prestigious art collections in the world. This achievement marked the institution’s commitment to fostering artistic education and cultural enrichment. It is renowned for its diverse range of works, including American and European art, ancient artifacts, and contemporary pieces. The collection supports the academic curriculum at SAIC and serves as a major cultural resource for the city and beyond
Tatsu Aoki’s Wind Portal was an innovative environmental sculpture that used natural forces, like wind, to bring life to the installation. By blending technology, culture, and nature, the project explored themes of interconnectedness and transformation. It was featured at the Chicago Cultural Center and involved the use of kinetic elements that responded to the wind, creating a dynamic experience. This project represents Aoki's creative fusion of performance, multimedia art, and urban engagement, pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude, famous for their environmental works of art, created The Floating Piers, a temporary installation on Italy’s Lake Iseo. The project consisted of walkways made of golden fabric floating on the water, allowing people to walk on water and experience the landscape from a new perspective. This massive, interactive installation exemplified the artists' ability to transform the environment into an experience. Their work engaged thousands of visitors and became one of the most celebrated large-scale art projects of its time.
Another remarkable work by Anish Kapoor, Sky Mirror, is an elliptical mirror sculpture that reflects the sky above it, creating an interactive piece of art that changes with the weather and the viewer’s perspective. This project combined Kapoor's fascination with reflection and the fluidity of space. The sculpture's ability to transform its surroundings led it to be featured in several prominent locations around the world, including the Rockefeller Center in New York. It represents Kapoor's exploration of surface, reflection, and perception.
Known widely as "The Bean," Cloud Gate is a monumental public sculpture located in Millennium Park, Chicago. Created by British artist Anish Kapoor, it features a seamless reflective surface that mirrors the city's skyline and its visitors. The sculpture challenges traditional notions of sculpture by playing with form and space and allowing interaction. The work became an iconic symbol of Chicago, attracting millions of visitors each year. Kapoor's innovative use of reflective material and interactive design redefined public art in urban spaces.
Another project by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, The Gates was an installation consisting of 7,503 fabric gates that lined 23 miles of pathways in Central Park, New York City. This work transformed the landscape of the park, providing a new way of experiencing the environment. The vibrant saffron-colored gates were temporary but left a lasting impression on the public and the art world. It exemplified Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s ability to engage with large public spaces in a unique and transformative way.
Alexander Calder, a renowned artist known for his invention of the mobile, created dynamic sculptures that moved with air currents, turning traditional static sculptures into kinetic works of art. His mobile structures, such as The Mobile (1930), transformed how art interacted with the environment, incorporating motion into visual design. Calder’s mobiles challenged static representations and introduced an entirely new genre of sculpture. His works have become iconic in modern art, influencing not only artists but designers as well.
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