Hidden Reflection
By Hugo McCloud
About
The artwork
Artist Hugo McCloud combines references to Chicago, Honolulu, and Jakarta—where President Obama lived—as well as Kenya, which deeply influenced his life. Built from layers of paint and single-use plastic, the work blends geography and memory into a calm, reflective portrait of identity, family, and belonging.
Location: Tafari’s Kitchen | Private Dining Room
The artist
Hugo McCloud is an artist born in Palo Alto, California, whose work centers on finding beauty in everyday materials. Self-taught with a background in industrial design, he works with unconventional mediums — such as roofing materials, solder, and single-use plastic bags — alongside traditional pigment and woodblock techniques.
Drawing from the textures and energy of urban environments, McCloud creates large-scale abstract paintings that bring together industrial and handcrafted processes, with an emphasis on material, surface, and transformation.
Explore More
Tafari’s Kitchen
Tafari’s Kitchen is a casual dining experience honoring the legacy of former White House Chef Tafari Campbell and featuring some dishes that reflect the traditions of Chicago. The Private Dining Room featuring Hidden Reflection is available for event rentals.
Our Neighborhood
Visit the South Side, a place at the heart of the Obamas’ story. Discover exciting locations and events such as the South Shore Cultural Center and the annual Bud Billiken Parade.
