The Peninsula Chicago Celebrates EXPO CHICAGO with Contemporary Art Exhibition: A Journey, Featuring Highlights from Pizzuti Collection

A Journey, is the contemporary art exhibition presented by The Peninsula Chicago, curated by Dara Pizzuti, featuring highlights from Pizzuti Collection. For nearly a decade, The Peninsula Chicago has collaborated with art partners to curate contemporary art exhibits that are showcased throughout the hotel’s public space and on display for several months through mid-June 2024, commencing during the city’s annual EXPO CHICAGO art event on April 12, 2024. This exhibit represents the most ambitious and diverse collection of art works presented at The Peninsula Chicago to date. 

In fact, the reaction to this exhibit is tremendous, with a visitor commenting, ‘This is the most important and relevant collection of master black artists being shown in the city in more than a decade.’ 

This installation is the latest iteration of Art in Resonance, The Peninsula Hotels’ global contemporary art program dedicated to being an originator of culture through its engagement with artists who push the boundaries of their mediums, in works that engage the senses. 

About the Exhibition:

This year, Pizzuti Collection collaborated with The Peninsula Chicago to present, A Journey, an exhibition of 30 exceptional works which reflect the couple’s journey in art collecting, curated by their daughter Dara Pizzuti. The title also reflects The Peninsula’s journey since 1928 of establishing 12 outstanding hotels in three continents. 

As curator, Dara Pizzuti's intent was to provide a glimpse into her parents' approach to collecting art. "I set out to document my parents' collecting journey both in terms of how they built their collection and in terms of the varied backgrounds of artists in their collection. My parents embraced learning about different cultures through art and have meticulously collected from many parts of the world. When acquiring a piece from a living artist, my father in particular always strove to get to know that artist, and in some cases their family. He is passionate about their perspectives and experiences, and I would describe him as a lifelong student who is both engaging and thoughtful about sharing what he has learned." 

“We are delighted to present A Journey. This thoughtful exhibition highlights some of the most unique and interesting art from Pizzuti Collection. In keeping with The Peninsula’s goal to celebrate stimulating art within the hotel, it is our quest to display works that provoke thought, emotion and dialogue,” according to Maria Zec, Regional Vice President of The Peninsula Hotels and Managing Director of The Peninsula Chicago.

Featured Artists and Countries Include: 

The works on display through mid-June are by 27 leading artists from 13 countries and include paintings, sculpture and mixed media pieces. Artists in this exhibit are from USA, England, France, Germany, Serbia, Syria, Iraq, Israel, India, China, South Africa, Cuba and Brazil. 

Artists featured include: Kehinde Wiley, Marina Abramovic, Theaster Gates, Jacob Hashimoto, Wang Jin, Fernando & Humberto Campana, Wendell Castle, Jean Michel Othoniel, Diana Al-Hadid, Tom La Duke, Nick Cave, Alec Soth, Beverly Fishman, Derrick Adams, Jeff Sonhouse, Anthony Akinbola, Misha Kahn, Ori Gersht, Timothy Curtis, Jim Hodges, Zanele Muholi, Raul Martinez, Florian Meisenberg, Hayv Kahraman, Kevin Beasley, Oli Epp, and Avinash Veeraraghavan.

Art Programming during A Journey:

The exhibition will include exhibit related tours and talks as well as other events and activations. As programs are confirmed, they will be announced. 

About Pizzuti Collection:

Ron and Ann Pizzuti started their journey of collecting art in 1972 and over the past 50 years have amassed an extensive collection of contemporary art from all over the world. In 2013 the Pizzuti's decided to share their considerable collection with the public by transforming an 18,000-sf building in the arts district in Columbus, Ohio into a public gallery complete with a sculpture garden and resource library. Their goal was to "foster cultural understanding and educational exchange by championing a diversity of voices from around the globe." The venue presented 16 exhibitions, highlighting more than 200 artists from 40-plus countries. Five years later, Ron and Ann announced their gift of the Pizzuti Collection building, as well as 40 works of art, to the Columbus Museum of Art. 

About Ron and Ann Pizzuti:

Ron and Ann live primarily in Columbus, Ohio. They have three children and 11 grandchildren. Ron founded The Pizzuti Companies, a real estate development company, in 1976. Today he runs Haystack, along-side his eldest daughter, Dara. Haystack commissions and publishes limited edition prints primarily by artists in the Pizzuti's collection. 

Both Ron and Ann have been active members of their community serving on numerous boards over the years. Within the arts community, Ron currently serves on the Madison Square Park Conservancy's Board of Trustees chairing their Art Committee, as well as on the Gund Gallery's Board of Trustees at Kenyon College. He previously served on the boards of The Columbus Museum of Art, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Wexner Center Foundation, and SITE Santa Fe. Ann served on many boards including the Columbus Foundation, United Way of Central Ohio, was a founding board member of the Women's Fund of Central Ohio and chaired the National Hospice Foundation board. They both have been routinely recognized for their service and philanthropy over the years. 

The Peninsula Hotels’ Art in Resonance:

The Peninsula Chicago’s desire to provide guests with memorable art experiences aligns with The Peninsula Hotels’ global commitment to promoting the rich and vibrant cultural aspects of the group’s destination cities. 

About EXPO CHICAGO 

EXPO CHICAGO showcases leading contemporary and modern art galleries each April at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, alongside a diverse and inventive program of talks, on-site installations, and public art initiatives. Inaugurated in 2012, EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region’s contemporary arts community. In 2023, EXPO CHICAGO was acquired by Frieze, the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art. For more information on EXPO CHICAGO, visit expochicago.com.

About The Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago is a five star, five diamond hotel located on the “Magnificent Mile” at 108 East Superior Street (at Michigan Avenue), within the city’s premier shopping district. The 339-guest room hotel opened in 2001 and features three distinctive restaurants, a rooftop bar, and a world-class spa. For information on The Peninsula Chicago, please visit www.peninsula.com/chicago, or call +1 (312) 337 2888 or toll-free at +1 (866) 288 8889.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)         

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (00045), HSH is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Istanbul, The Peninsula Bangkok, and The Peninsula Manila. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.