Graduate Alumni Named 2026 Newcity Breakout Artists

newcity

April 3, 2026
Newcity Art, Chicago
2026 Newcity Breakout Artists

Two graduate alum of the Department of Visual Arts, Nick Raffel (MFA 2014) & TAITAI xTina (MFA 2023), have been included amongst this year's Newcity Breakout Artists

Established in 2004, Newcity’s annual Breakout Artists issue has become a leading indicator of future success in contemporary art. Of the 150+ Breakout Artists before this year, over 40 now have gallery representation, ranging from Hauser & Wirth to numerous Chicago galleries; most of the others, including those who’ve chosen less commercial paths, show regularly at museums and institutions around the world.

Chicago Artists Coalition will host a centerpiece exhibition of this year’s Newcity Breakout Artists on view April 8 - April 23.