Photographer Steve McCurry makes U.S. debut in Chicago with ICONS, a retrospective with his most iconic images

With more than 80 large-format photographs, ICONS is one of the most comprehensive retrospectives of Steve McCurry's career.

ICONS will open at the Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) on October 20, 2023

McCurry's most iconic images will be showcased including the legendary portrait of the Afghan Girl, Sharbat Gula.

Chicago | October 5, 2023 – ICONS, one of the most complete retrospectives of famous American photographer, Steve McCurry, is preparing to launch its first exhibition in the United States this October in the culturally rich city of Chicago. The exhibition previously toured Australia, Portugal, Mexico and Spain. This unprecedented journey through the inspiration, life and work of McCurry will officially open at Chicago’s Loyola University Museum of Art starting October 20, 2023 for a limited time. The Loyola Museum of Art or LUMA, is best known for its exploration and exhibition of art that encompasses all cultures, faiths, and eras, and the perfect backdrop for this exhibition. Tickets are available now and can be purchased HERE. 

Presented by pioneering production company, Sold Out, in partnership with Milan-based agency for internationally-renowned photographers, Sudest57; and leading global live-entertainment discovery platform, Fever, ICONS will feature over 80 large-format photographs of McCurry’s most iconic images, including the legendary 1984 portrait of the Afghan Girl, Sharbat Gula, which was famously featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine. The showing also includes other very well-known pictures he captured throughout his forty years of profession, including his most recent work. 

Settled amongst the bustling atmosphere of Chicago’s downtown, the ICONS exhibition will immerse guests in the photographic universe of Steve McCurry through a journey that took him to some of the most beautiful and harrowing parts of the world. From Afghanistan to India, Southeast Asia to Africa, Cuba to the United States and Brazil to Italy, ICONS is a truly fascinating collection of images in which the human element is always the protagonist. Inspired by conflict, ancient traditions and contemporary culture, McCurry’s work represents the emotion of human suffering, joy and wonder, and features people of all ages, cultures and ethnicities - something he knew how to portray with surprising strength and naturalness.

Fever VP of Americas and Global Business Development, Mariano Otero, said, “We are incredibly honored and excited to bring Steve McCurry’s ICONS exhibition to the city of Chicago for its U.S. debut. The great appreciation for arts of all forms in this city is infectious, so we simply can’t wait for everyone both local and traveling into town to enjoy the great works of this iconic artist.”  

Downloadable audio guides and videos will invite guests into the world of this renowned and intrepid photographer, revealing details and descriptions of more than 40 of McCurry’s pictures in his own words, as well as giving insight into his travels, his adventures, and his profession. The audio recording of the exhibit takes approximately an hour to complete. 

The exhibition will be open to the public daily at the Loyola University Museum of Art, 820 N. Michigan Ave. Specials for groups are also available for purchase. For more information or to buy your tickets today, please click here. 

-ENDS-

High Res Exhibition Images: HERE 

Facebook & Instagram: @stevemccurryicons 

Video: HERE

About Sold Out

With nearly 30 years of experience in the culture and entertainment industry, Sold Out is one of the leading companies in this field in Spain and has produced some of the most important shows and exhibitions that have taken place in the country. Sold Out is also a pioneer in the production of international exhibitions in Spain. In the last six years, Sold Out has presented more than 20 exhibitions with iconic themes and brands of popular culture, some of which have become the most important that have ever taken place in Spain, including Harry Potter: The Exhibition, David Bowie Is, Björk Digital, Banksy: The Street is a Canvas, Tutankhamon: La Tumba y Sus Tesoros, Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Pink Floyd Exhibition, Juego de Tronos: La Exposición Oficial, Steve McCurry. Icons, Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition and Hergé: The Exhibition. More information at soldout.es.

About Sudest57

Sudest57 was founded in 2002, by partners Biba Giacchetti and Giuseppe Ceroni, as a center of excellence for the creation of cultural projects with companies and individual clients, and fine art prints. For the past 20 years, Sudest57 has been working with the greatest photographers in the world including Steve McCurry, Elliott Erwitt, James Nachtwey, Gian Paolo Barbieri, Duane Michals, Howard Schatz, Eugene Richards and Mary Ellen Mark. Sudest57 produces corporate assignments, but has mainly earned a reputation for its outstanding installations. Biba Giacchetti, with her exhibition team, has curated over 80 exhibitions including those of Steve McCurry, Elliott Erwitt, Tina Modotti, Kurt Amman, Dario Mitidieri, Joey Lawrence, Eolo Perfido and Zanele Muholi.

About the Loyola University Museum of Art

The Loyola Museum of Art opened its doors in 2005, located downtown Chicago and just a few blocks away from the lake. Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA) is dedicated to providing a space for artistic expression that illuminates the experiences of humanity and the spirit through connection, engagement, and reflection. As a university museum, LUMA supports the power of the students' artistry and their ability to inspire and educate.