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Cloud Gate...downtown Chicago....
Cloud Gate is a public sculpture by British artist Anish Kapoor. It is the centerpiece of the AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park within the Loop community area of Chicago, Illinois, and is located on top of Park Grill and adjacent to the Chase Promenade. The sculpture was constructed between 2004 and 2006 and was temporarily unveiled in the summer of 2004. Nicknamed "The Bean" because of its legume-like shape, its exterior consists of 168 highly polished stainless steel plates. It is 33 feet by 66 feet by 42 feet (10 m × 20 m × 13 m), and weighs 110 short tons (99.8 t; 98.2 long tons). The sculpture and the plaza are sometimes referred to jointly as "Cloud Gate on the AT&T Plaza" or "Cloud Gate on AT&T Plaza".
Cloud Gate has become a very popular sculpture that is known worldwide. Inspired by liquid mercury, the sculpture's exterior reflects and transforms the city's skyline. Visitors are able to walk around and under Cloud Gate's arch, which is 12 feet (3.7 m) high. On the underside of the sculpture is the omphalos, a concave chamber that warps and multiplies reflections. The sculpture builds upon many of Kapoor's artistic themes, although many tourists simply view the sculpture and its unique reflective properties as a photo-taking opportunity.
The sculpture was the result of a design competition. After being chosen, numerous technological concerns regarding the design's construction and assembly arose, in addition to concerns regarding the sculpture's upkeep and maintenance. Various experts were consulted, some of whom believed the design could not be implemented. Eventually, a feasible method was found, but the sculpture fell behind schedule. It was unveiled in an incomplete form during the Millennium Park grand opening celebration before being concealed for completion.
explaination and pictures
from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Gate
  From the west (left) and east (right), the skyscrapers to the north along East Randolph Street (The Heritage, Smurfit-Stone Building, Two Prudential Plaza, One Prudential Plaza, and Aon Center) are reflected on Cloud Gate's surface. Additional Historic Michigan Boulevard District buildings reflect off the west side. | |
| Artist | Anish Kapoor |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004–2006 |
| Type | Stainless steel Height: 33 feet (10 m) Length: 66 feet (20 m) Width: 42 feet (13 m) |
| Displayed | Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States |
Did anyone guess it???
Happy Wordless Wednesday....SATURDAY ♥
10 comments:
I'd never even heard of that--way cool!
That is just wild!
It looked like Chicago! I love that a few people can make a living and a legacy for themselves creating sculptures that are totally way out there. And very cool. They add flavor to life!
Hi Stacie,
Grammy wanted me to tell you that she is so sorry that we missed out on this today. We didn't see your comment about it until late in the day.
nope, never would've guessed. that's a very arty looking building...
It is really neat! I love Chicago---and see that I am going to have to go visit there again to see this!
Hey I looked for your email but can't find one. I am emailing something out on Friday that I can't post on my blog, but want to include you so if it feels comfortable, could you email me your email address?
oh, please pop in here http://gsp-shadow.blogspot.com/2009/05/nenos-award.html, there's something for you!
I have never heard of or seen that. It's very cool!! Sorry that I didn't play along but I didn't get on blogger at all on Thurs., Fri., Sat., or Sun. I just got your comment today.
Ahh, the bean…
I always like standing in the middle with your back to the wall and bending back to see your backside.
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