Speak of the Devil is a joint exhibition by Chicago artists Haylie and Sydnie Jimenez, running from August 9 to September 20, 2025. The exhibition title reflects a theme of manifestation. Both artists create works rooted in narrative, depicting their queer, Black and brown communities. Sydnie focuses on figurative sculptures, while Haylie etches into flat panels. They explore the evolving meaning of the phrase 'speak of the devil,' originally linked to summoning evil, highlighting culture and shared histories in both Chicago and their Southern roots.
The idiom 'speak of the devil' connotes a strange, even magical ability to conjure someone's presence with a mere mention.
Haylie and Sydnie Jimenez act as world-builders, depicting their queer, Black and brown friends and neighbors embracing their chosen kin.
The phrase 'speak of the devil' originated as a 17th-century superstition of summoning evil, yet has since lost its sinister meaning.
The artists believe that groups of people called family and friends deserve full recognition as the best parts of us.
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