Loop Public Art Tour

Loop Public Art Tour

Picasso Sculpture at Daley Plaza

                As I am living in the downtown of Chicago, I always pass by public art installations. At first, I didn't recognize those as public art but as a part of the surrounding buildings. This shows that those installations are merged well with the city. And I think those make Chicago look more attractive.

                 When I pass Picasso Sculpture which is installed at Daley Plaza, there are always kids sliding down from its tilted metal sheet. It is like a little playground for the kids who live in downtown. Playing on the famous artist's sculpture, who will dare to expect this in any museum? Moreover, Its simple curvy lines and metal sheets reminds me a soldier's armor. When the sunlight directly falls down on it, the metal wires supporting on both sides gives a shadow like a helmet. So it seems like a brave soldier keeping eyes on the city. 

                  One of the most famous public art in Chicago, The Bean, is a hot-spot for tourists. In my opinion, it always gives different looks. It sometimes seem to reflect the materialistic world, the selfish city, the beautiful nature and so on. When you go inside of The Bean, it reflects you back but gives a different visual image of yourself. You may be stretched, squeezed, twisted etc. as if it is trying to say that you can be seen differently by others. And it is like a blank canvas. The reflected objects and figures on it always change and those are part of it as art. So people are engaged in art if they are standing near to it.

The Bean at the Millennium Park

Twisted People inside The Bean

                       The another public art that I always see is Flamingo by Alexander Calder. Its beautiful and unique lines were shouting to me, "I was made by Calder!" Although I didn't know its title, it was attractive like a flamingo. Its passionate red color and the curvature resembled the lines of a flamingo.  And it gives different impression at night. The lights are shone from the ground and the shades and brightness emphasize its shape.

Flamingo by Alexander Calder during the day

During the night

                      Although I couldn't mention all the Loop public artworks, all of them give good impact for the city and makes it more attractive for both residents and tourists. In this city full of skyscrapers, those artworks are like an oasis in the desert.