April 29th 2013

The Art Institute of Chicago from the Nichols Bridgeway

One of my favourite parts of my past trip to Chicago was a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. I had an idea that it would be something I'd look forward to, but I wasn't quite prepared for how incredible it would be.  I always enjoy visiting galleries and museums, but this is possibly the best I've ever visited.  (I took so many photos, I may have to split this post into two or three parts).

Proposed Street Map of Chicago, 1909

Roman Bouroullec, ERB S06, 1971

The view from the Modern Art wing

Though I may risk being scoffed at, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for David Hockney's paintings, (especially his water series).  His 'A Bigger Splash' was a favourite painting of mine growing up.  This is a detail from 'American Collectors (Fred and Marcia Weisman)', 1968

This installation was an emotional one to view in person.  I was approached by the friendly gallery attendant I'd met in a previous section of the gallery and told to take a piece of the candy.  I thought he was joking, but he insisted.  He then pointed out the placard off to the side, which read:

Felix Gonzalez-Torres

American, born Cuba, 1957-1996

"Untitled" (Portrait of Ross in L.A.),

1991

Candies, individually wrapped in multicolored cellophane

This installation is an allegorical portrait of the artist's

partner, Ross Laycock, who died of an AIDS-related

illness in 1991.  The 175 pounds of candy correspond

to Ross's ideal body weight.  Adult viewers are invited

to take a piece of candy; the diminishing pile parallels

Ross's weight loss prior to his death.  The artist stipulated

that the pile should be continually replaced,

metaphorically granting perpetual life.

I'll continue with more photos in a post tomorrow.