After years of being center stage in the heart of Chicago’s Millenium Park, the Bean is now being relocated. In its place, a pink rabbit structure from Vienna, Austria is being exchanged in an effort to switch things up.
A Treasured Masterpiece
Known originally as “Cloud Gate”, the Bean has captured the hearts of Chicagoans ever since its 2004 installment. The beloved 12-foot structure is now one of the most famous art installments in the Windy City. It became so popular, in fact, that it gained the nickname “The Bean” after its oblong shape and overall appearance. The artist behind the art piece, Anish Kapoor, even changed his mind about the nickname; he went from noting it as “completely stupid” in 2006 to remarking that he also calls it the Bean during an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. Most people have gotten used to the sculpture’s presence. However, a new worldwide incentive for the arts is now pushing for the Bean’s temporary absence.
In With The New
In April this year, the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs decided to swap out Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate” with another sculpture from Vienna, Austria. The official release stated that the move is a step for both Chicago and Vienna into a more collective global experience with art. According to Secret Chicago, switching the two art sculptures will:
…increase intercontinental artistic collaboration and allow people to experience the wealth of public art around the world from the comfort of their own city.
This comes as part of the new Arts 77 Chicago project, which provides multi-million dollar citywide financing for musicians, performances, and new works of public art. It is the first of many projects, according to Dr. Huami Kidin, Creative Arts Director at the World Public Art Directory (WPAD).
With sculptures residing in cities for eternity, inevitably how much they inspire and enchant the local population dwindles a little with every passing year. At the same time, not everybody can travel from continent to continent. This way people can see astounding creations from around the world on their own doorstep without having to pay for a trip to the other side of the planet.
Chicago’s New Pet
The new installment, known as the “Pink Rabbit,” was created by Ottmar Hörl in 2003. It was constructed to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the classic watercolor “Young Hare” by Albrecht Dürer, which continues to be one of the most well-known representations of animals in the history of art. The painting is also a prized possession of the Albertina Museum’s collection in Vienna. Reviews of the museum and the adjacent Vienna Operahouse conclude that the highlight of their experience was viewing the three-dimensional bunny. A reviewer on TripAdvisor had a lot to say about the modern adaptation of Dürer’s work:
A responsible tourist will take his picture with Pink Bunny (in addition to visiting the Opera House and seeing a performance). How many times do you actually see something like this? It was a first for me and I loved it.
Though many Chicagoans will miss the Bean, the transition to Hörl’s work will bring a fresh adaptation to the art scene in the city. Its absence might make the hearts of many residents grow fonder.
Written by Ogechi Onyewuchi
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Secret Chicago: Chicago & Vienna To Swap ‘The Bean’ For The Giant Pink Rabbit In First Public Art Exchange Of Its Kind, by Elliot McGowan
Portugal Resident: The Chicago Bean, by Jay Costa Owen
TripAdvisor Reviews: Whimsical Pink Bunny in Front of Opera House, by Wiener Staatsoper
Featured Image Courtesy of Peter Miller‘s Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
First Inline Image Courtesy of Mariano Mantel’s Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
Second Inline Image Courtesy of Tony Hisgett’s Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
Third Inline Image Courtesy of Cocoabiscuit‘s Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
