Hilton Contemporary is proud to announce a specially curated exhibition of photographs, diamond dust and neon artworks by internationally celebrated artist David Drebin. Following his solo exhibition at Intersect Aspen, CINEMATIC DREAMS marks Drebin’s Chicago debut and introduces collectors to his unique blend of cinematic storytelling and striking visual drama.
Renowned for his ability to weave narratives of desire, mystery, and glamour into large-scale photographs, Drebin has become one of the most recognizable visual artists of his generation. His body of work spans photography, light boxes, neon installations, sculptures, and etchings on glass. Known for blending cinematic drama with raw human emotion, his art has been described as 'Hollywood glamour meets psychological thriller.'
Hilton Contemporary’s presentation of CINEMATIC DREAMS is the gallery’s first major showcase of David Drebin’s works to our Chicago collectors. The exhibition will highlight both his most celebrated images and rarely seen archival works, giving collectors the chance to experience Drebin’s evocative vision in person. “We are very pleased to introduce David Drebin to Chicago,” said Arica Hilton, CEO and founder of Hilton Contemporary galleries. “His work is bold and unforgettable. Drebin's landscapes are pure cinematography, turning glamour into cinematic storytelling. By presenting Drebin’s vision to our collectors, we continue our mission to feature artists who inspire us to see the world with renewed imagination.”
Opening Reception: Friday, October 3rd • 5 to 8 p.m. Hilton Contemporary - River North 716 N. Wells, Chicago About David Drebin Born in Toronto and based in New York City, David Drebin graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1996 and quickly rose to international acclaim. His cinematic style explores themes of beauty, fame, and fantasy. Often his images portray subjects caught in moments of longing or escapism against breathtaking cityscapes and dreamlike settings. In addition to photography, Drebin is celebrated for his multidisciplinary practice. His Hidden Stars portraits playfully mask or conceal well-known cultural figures, exploring the tension between celebrity, anonymity, and identity. He has also created large-scale neon installations, light boxes, etchings on glass, and sculptures, all of which extend his visual universe beyond photography into immersive and experiential art.
Drebin’s career includes collaborations with leading global brands and publications such as Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, GQ, and National Geographic. His artwork has been exhibited at Art Basel, Paris Photo, Intersect Aspen, Photo London, Art Miami, Art Palm Beach, Istanbul Contemporary, and many more. He has also photographed high-profile individuals such as Charlize Theron, John Legend, Sandra Bernhard, Kevin Bacon, and Diane von Fürstenberg among others. Known for his striking portraits, expansive city views, and neon art pieces, Drebin creates immersive worlds that blur the line between reality and imagination. His photographs often feel like stills from a film noir, inviting viewers to create their own narratives around his enigmatic subjects. Drebin has published multiple monographs with teNeues, including The Morning After (2010), Chasing Paradise (2015), Dreamscapes (2016), and Collectors Edition (2021). His works are highly sought after on the international art market, with pieces consistently commanding record-breaking results at auction.
