Anthony Olusina – 10 Portraits Art Opening
Anthony Olusina – 10 Portraits Art Opening
Please join us for the unveiling of local artist Anthony Olusina’s latest works — 10 portraits of local icons from the Hyde Park/Kenwood area. Featured portraits include:
Muhammad Ali • Margaret Burroughs • Donny Hathaway • Mellody Hobson • Jesse Jackson
John H. Johnson • Valerie Jarrett • Chaka Khan • Michelle Obama • Muddy Waters
The paintings are installed in the ground-level Harper Court Breezeway — access from the S. Lake Park Avenue entrance or from within Harper Court near Strugglebeard Bakery.
Anthony Olusina is represented by Shari Currie at Recycled Modern – 5231 S. Harper Court.
Photo by Christopher Andrew @stoptimelive
About the Series:
This series honors ten individuals whose lives and work have left an indelible mark on Chicago and beyond. Representing art, civil rights, journalism, music, business, sports, and public service, the collection features Margaret Burroughs, Jesse Jackson, Valerie Jarrett, Muhammad Ali, Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Mellody Hobson, John H. Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Michelle Obama. Together, they reflect the depth, creativity, resilience, and leadership that have long defined the city.
Created by Chicago artist Anthony Olusina Schleicher, the portraits reinterpret these iconic figures through expressive oil and pastel paintings. Rich color, layered texture, and energetic mark-making bring each subject to life, offering a contemporary perspective that feels both timeless and approachable.
Schleicher’s work centers on the complexities of identity, perception, and personal history. Drawing from his multicultural background and lived experience, he creates figurative paintings that exist between realism and abstraction, allowing each portrait to convey not only the likeness of its subject but also a sense of humanity and presence.
Installed within the Harper Court Breezeway, the collection celebrates Chicago’s legacy through the people who have shaped it. These portraits recognize individuals whose influence continues to resonate across generations, serving as a reminder of the city’s lasting contributions to culture, education, business, public service, and the arts.