The best art exhibits to see in Chicago in February

Shanghai artist Xu Longsen presents a collection of his large-scale landscape paintings, made using traditional tools and materials. His interpretations of Chinese vistas draw on techniques that date back to the 10th century and are presented on gigantic 30-foot canvases. The "Light of Heaven" installation was created for the Art Institute, presenting his ink-wash drawings on a set of pillars within the museum.

Known for his distinctive paintings of the human eye, UK artist My Dog Sighs returns to Vertical with his second show at the gallery after his debut in 2014. The show will include some of his signature ocular imagery as well as pieces inspired by the highs and lows of the past year of his life, filtered through his street art-inspired aesthetic. 

For the most part, we think of chairs as a place to sit back and relax, but there's no denying that there's an art to the perfect seat. "The Art of Seating" surveys the evolution of the objects we sit down on, presenting a collection of 37 chairs, some of which date back to 1810. The changes in form mirror technological advancements, moving from a simple handcrafted rocking chair to a modern seat made from undulating strips of bright blue plastic.

This group show assembles work that places a spotlight on the aspects of the natural world that many of us take for granted, encompassing videos, sculptures and photographs inspired by the elements and our geophysical surroundings. The exhibition features work by Daniel G. Baird, Marissa Lee Benedict, Nina Canell, Revital Cohen, Tuur Van Balen, Cécile B. Evans, Florian Germann, Jochen Lempert and Nicholas Mangan.

Using unconventional materials like glitter, talcum powder, and perfume, abstract artist Pindell creates canvases filled with intricate details. This survey of the New York artist’s work includes photos, videos and drawings that were produced after she developed short-term amnesia.

Artist Beverly Fishman explores the complex visual language of the medical industry through her work, which uses urethane paint to create vibrant eye-catching colors. "Chemical Sublime" displays works resembling the shapes of pills, named for the maladies that the pharmaceuticals that inspired them claim to treat.