Barbara Rossi: A Pioneer of Chicago Imagism and Reverse Painting Barbara Rossi (September 20, 1940 – August 24, 2023) emerged as a singular voice within the burgeoning Chicago Imagist movement of the 1960s and 70s—a group that deliberately rejected academic formalism in favor of expressive representation. Born in Chicago, Rossi’s artistic journey began with an early fascination for drawing, honing her skills through meticulous observation and translating complex emotions onto paper. This dedication to detail would become a hallmark of her distinctive style, blending realism with whimsical el…