The Great Chicago Heat Wave of 1995 poster

Chicago Heat Wave (1995)
Poster documenting the 1995 heat wave in Chicago.
Design by Gianluca Franzese

The city baked. Hundreds died — not from visible disaster, but from sustained heat.

This poster documents the Great Chicago Heat Wave of 1995, one of the deadliest heat-related events in U.S. history. Over several days, extreme temperatures overwhelmed public health systems and left many residents — particularly elderly and isolated individuals — without relief.

The Crain Communications Building appears in stark silhouette, a fixed structure set against invisible but lethal conditions. The image registers absence rather than spectacle, marking a disaster defined by duration, neglect, and uneven exposure rather than sudden impact.

Printed on synthetic 4533 press, this poster benefits from enhanced durability and color vibrancy. The advanced printing techniques used ensure that the colors remain vivid and the material withstands various environmental conditions, making it ideal for long-term display and preservation.

Poster Size: 12 inches x 18 inches