'I Left My Heart In Illinois' Solo Exhibition by Artist Chris RWK

Public art continues to shape the cultural landscape of Highwood with the unveiling of “For giving”, a new sculpture by internationally recognized artist Chris RWK. The sculpture will be officially dedicated on June 10, 2026 at 341 Waukegan Avenue, Highwood, followed the next day with a solo exhibition “I Left My Heart in Illinois” by Chris RWK opening on June 11, 2026 from 6-9pm at 524 Sheridan Road, Highwood. Created in 2025, “For giving” is a mixed media sculpture that embodies the transformative power of human connection. Featuring RWK’s iconic robot figure holding a heart, the work reflects both the act of offering love and the openness required to receive it. The sculpture invites viewers into an ongoing emotional exchange—each passerby becomes part of the narrative, taking with them a piece of the message while leaving behind their own imprint for others. Rooted in accessibility and emotional resonance, RWK’s work bridges street art and contemporary sculpture, bringing deeply relatable themes into public space. “For giving” continues this legacy, transforming everyday environments into sites of reflection, empathy, and shared experience. Highwood’s new sculpture is the first public art sculpture created by the artist making art history! The artist extends his gratitude to the City of Highwood, UVD Toys, and Grand Theming Studios for their support in bringing this project to life. The project is curated by Silvertuna Studios and Collect With Lulu, continuing their shared mission of connecting artists, communities, and meaningful storytelling through public art and exhibition. This event marks the two year anniversary since they partnered with the City of Highwood on the beautification project creating 15 murals, and now one special public sculpture. ABOUT CHRIS RWK: Chris RWK is a New York City–based visual artist whose work bridges street art, pop culture, and introspective storytelling. From an early age, he absorbed the imagery of comic books, sci-fi, film, television, and music, storing those visual impulses in what he describes as his “mental journal.” Those collected images now act as fuel for a visual lexicon built around his signature robot icon. As a child of the late ’70s and ’80s, Chris’s earliest sketches emulated cartoons and comic strips; by his early teens, he was tagging walls around Staten Island and photographing graffiti outside his door. Over time, letters gave way to characters — the robot figure came to symbolize emotional states, resilience, vulnerability, and the tension between machine and humanity. The name Robots Will Kill was coined during a residency in Vermont in 1999. The phrase crystallized an idea: repetition can numb you, turning once-vibrant acts into mechanical ritual. Chris adopted the name publicly in 2001, launching RobotsWillKill.com as an open platform for creators overlooked by traditional galleries and institutions. “You wouldn’t give us space, so we built one,” he later reflected. Over time the site evolved into a collective, uniting artists across the globe who shared a DIY, emotionally resonant approach. Chris also holds formal credentials: an Associate’s degree from FIT and a BFA in Painting from Hunter College. Those years of study sharpened his use of color, structure, layering, and composition. Yet he continues to meet the street on its terms — painting murals, sticker campaigns, and collaborative walls whenever possible. His 2009 mural with Veng, inspired by Where the Wild Things Are, is a testimony to his enduring street practice. Today, Chris’s work has evolved toward greater psychological depth. His use of layering, texture, and color is more intentional. The robot remains his emotional avatar — slouched, simple, with an “X” heart — but its gestures now carry more nuance. Viewers are invited to bring their own stories. Above all, Chris remains committed to the idea that art is for everybody. Through RWK he advocates for recognition of underrepresented artists, pushes back on exploitative “exposure” deals, and insists that artists know their value. He is active in public art projects and exhibition circuits — both solo and group — with galleries like Harman Projects, SUYE, and Silvertuna Studios. Chris is proud to be part of the Highwood city beautification project with a mural and sculpture in the heart of the city. EVENTS INFO: SCULPTURE DEDICATION: June 10, 2026 at at 5:30pm 341 Waukegan Road, Highwood, IL 60040 EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION: June 11, 2026 from 6-9pm Collect With Lulu & Silvertuna Studios 524 Sheridan Road, Highwood, IL 60040 On view through June 27th RSVP Requested, both events are open to the public, art lovers and friends are welcome!

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3660345-0

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