Louis Barak: Artist, Tattooist & Muralist
Based in Chicago, Louis Barak is a renowned artist, muralist, and tattoo artist. His artwork, which fuses abstract art, graffiti, realism, and surrealism, is characterized by the masterful use of color to convey form and intricate linework honed from his two decades of tattooing. His unique combinations bridge the worlds of fine art and tattooing.
In addition to his fine art, Louis has built a reputation as a skilled tattoo artist, where he combines his artistic talents with a passion for storytelling through skin art. His tattoo work reflects his deep understanding of form and color, allowing him to create personalized pieces that hold significant meaning for his clients.
Louis collaborates with grassroots organizations, creating impactful murals in marginalized neighborhoods, including murals for Port Ministries. His contributions to the community earned recognition from the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and features in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Louis continues to innovate his artistic practice at Barak Studios in Chicago’s River West neighborhood. His recent endeavors include showcasing his work at Miami Art Week. Through his art, he pushes the boundaries of creativity and engages viewers in the complexities of the human experience.
Barak Studios: Custom Tattoos & Atelier
Louis Barak
Curriculum Vitae
b. 1982, Chicago, IL
Working in Chicago, IL
Education
2002-04, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Chicago, IL
1999-2001, Pratt Institute, Focus: Fine Arts, New York, NY
In the Media
2023, “Guitar Petals & Metal”, Chicago Sun Times article published May 14, 2023, Chicago, IL
2023, City of Chicago CULTURE SNAPS Jury Panel, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
2023, Track 22, Sometimes On Sundays Podcast, interviewed February 19, 2023, Chicago, IL
2022, City of Chicago CULTURE SNAPS Honoree, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
2022, “A New Body of Work”, Chicago Sun Times article published July 1, 2022, Chicago, IL
2019, It’s More than Just a Tattoo, Gen Z Podcast WGN, interviewed October 9, 2019, Chicago, IL
2018, Meet Louis Barak, Voyage Chicago, published August 17, 2018, Chicago, IL
Selected Exhibitions
2024, Home Sweet Home: Nostalgia..ish, Chicago Truborn Gallery, Chicago, IL
2023, Macabebe Exhibit, CSG Gallery, Miami, FL
2023, Red Dot Fair/ Miami Art Week, CSG Gallery, Miami, FL
2023, For the Record, Elephant Room Gallery, Chicago, IL
2023, Helping the Community Through Art, CSG Gallery, Macabebe, Philippines
2023, Higher Expectations, Inside Town, Chicago, IL
2022, 5th Annual 12 x 12 Show, Elephant Room Gallery, Chicago, IL
2022, The Kitchen Sink Show, Seventh Corner Gallery, Chicago, IL
2021, Krampus My Style, Seventh Corner Gallery, Chicago, IL
2021, Pilsen Storefront Window Exhibition, Insight Pilsen, Chicago, IL
2021, 2nd Annual Uptown Art Weekend, Explore Uptown Chicago, Chicago, IL
2020-2021, Pop Up Exhibition, Galerie F, Chicago, IL
2020, Greatest of All Time, Artist Replete, Chicago, IL
2019, Smalls to the Walls, Gallerie F, Chicago, IL
2019, Sacred Heart, Sideshow Art Gallery, Chicago, IL
2018, Styles Collide, ArtWauk Arts Initiative, Waukegan, IL
2018, Flora Fauna, Sideshow Art Gallery, Chicago, IL
2018, From Da Grid, Revolution Tattoo and Art Gallery, Chicago, IL
2017, Dark Arts Exhibition, Royal Flesh Tattoos, Chicago, IL
2010, Spring Awakening, group exhibition, Mastermind Gallery, Chicago, IL
2010, Tiny Arts Exhibition II, Wall Space Gallery, New York, NY
2009, Tiny Arts Exhibition, Wall Space Gallery, New York, NY
2008, Urban Cowboy, solo exhibition, New York Arts Gallery, Beijing, China
2005, Tragic Beauty, duo exhibition, Linda Warren Gallery, Chicago, IL
Related Experience
2023, Sundays on State, Paint the City Live Painting Battle, Chicago, IL
2023, Pediatric Dental Mural, mural installations, Chicago, IL
2023, Pediatric Dental Mural, mural installations, Buffalo Grove, IL
2022, Chicago Fire FC Soccer Mural, Titan Walls Mural Festival, Chicago, IL
2022, Victoria Soto High School, Acero Schools, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2022, Duneland Tattoo Mural, mural installation, Valparaiso, IN
2022, Live Painting, Explore Uptown Chicago, Chicago, IL
2022, Port Ministries Gymnasium Mural, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2022, Pediatric Dental Mural, mural installations, Crystal Lake, IL
2021, Paulie Gees, Logan Square, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2021, Duneland Tattoo Mural, mural installation, Valparaiso, IN
2020, Team Fumaca Academy Mural, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2020, Pediatric Dental Mural, mural installations, Park Ridge, IL
2020, Back of the Yards, various mural installations, Chicago, IL
2020, Next Restaurant, Tokyo immersive experience, Chicago, IL
2019, Hotel Chicago West Loop, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2019, Project Englewood, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2019 to present, Barak Studios, LLC, art studio opening, Chicago, IL
2018, Team Fumaca Academy, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2018, SoNo East Apartments, mural installation, Chicago, IL
2018, Logan Square Mural, graffiti/mural installation, Chicago, IL
2018, Private commission, mural installation, residence, Chicago, IL
2017-19, Revolution Tattoo and Art Gallery, tattoo artist, Chicago, IL
2017, Meeting of Styles, graffiti installation, Chicago, IL
2017, Crawford Steel Company, graffiti/mural installation, Chicago, IL
2017, Private commission, mural installation, business, Chicago, IL
2017, Private commission, mural installation, residence, Chicago, IL
2015-17, Royal Flesh Tattoos, tattoo artist, Chicago, IL
2012-15, Jade Dragon, tattoo artist, Chicago, IL
2009, Five Pointz, graffiti/mural installation, Queens, NY
2005-11, Private commissions, New York, NY
1996 - 2000, Gallery 37, resident artist, Chicago, IL
1995-99, Marwen Foundation, student artist, Chicago, IL