Vertical Gallery is Chicago’s premier urban-contemporary art gallery. Established in April 2013 in the West Town neighborhood, the gallery focuses on work influenced by street art, urban environments, graffiti, pop culture, graphic design and illustration. Vertical Gallery has distinguished itself as a pioneer in its consistent programming of significant emerging and established local, national and international artists. The gallery has served as a catalyst for numerous artists who have moved on to exhibit at major art venues and museums worldwide.
As of October 2025 the gallery will focus on art fairs, pop-ups, and destination events across the U.S. and abroad. The new approach begins at Aqua Art Miami (December 3–7) and builds on Vertical’s successful presentations in Paris and New York.
Chicago will remain part of the journey. In March 2026, Vertical will celebrate its 13-year anniversary in partnership with Jackson Junge Gallery, and in July the gallery will present acclaimed Dutch painter Collin van der Sluijs in collaboration with Joy Machine Gallery. Additional exhibitions are planned.
Read more here on the 2025 update
Image: Gallery View, 11-Year Anniversary exhibit
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Mau Mau is a renowned British urban graffiti artist who’s gained an international following with his humorous street, print and graffiti work. He incorporates political, environmental and cultural commentary to his work – often with his trademark character of a mischievous and fun loving Fox. With roots planted in surf and country vibes of the North Devon coast, Mau Mau brings an air of rural sophistication to the art he has been creating for twenty years. He has painted his way around the world, his artwork appearing on everything from shipwrecks to surfboards and billboards to city walls.
Mau Mau has produced work for World Land Trust, Greenpeace, Surfers Against Sewage and the Glastonbury Festival, and for record companies such as Ninja Tunes and Lowlife Records. He is the architect of cult brands Sewerside Boardwear and Fear Trade. His street work can also been seen all over the world including the UK, Jamaica, Thailand and Australia. He has had sold out exhibitions in the UK, Japan and Thailand.
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