After graduating from college my sisters took full advantage of their freedom and a college diploma. Amber moved to the windy city of Chicago and Ann moved into the southern living near Dallas. Being the youngest, my sisters have kindly let me have many opportunities to come and explore these two cities free of charge. Much of my hard earned money has been spent on airline or bus tickets to go visit.
Today, while reading D Magazine (For those who don't know what D Magazine is, it is a magazine dedicated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area), I learned that the two cities that now have a place in my heart, have something else in common as well, sculptures by the artist Jaume Plensa. According to his website, he has became famous for his sculptures that are created by plastic. Plensa has had exhibits in numerous museums across the world.
During my very first trip to Chicago, my sister took me to Millennium Park. Here I found pictures of people projected on clear bricks, and spitting water into a pool where (mostly) kids frolic and play. However, after my encounter with D Magazine I found the meaning behind it. The fountain, actually titled "The Crown Fountain", consists of two 50-foot glass block towers and are at each end of a shallow reflection pool. The pictures projected are actually videos of "a broad social spectrum of Chicago citizens." When creating these fountains, Plensa was inspired by gargoyle fountains that would have water running from their mouths. He adapted this idea to his sculpture in Millennium Park, and has videos of peoples faces puckering their lips and looking like they are spitting water into the reflection pool.
Here in Dallas at the Nasher Sculpture Center, Plensa's work will be on display. The show is called Genus and Species and will be on display until May 2. Take the time to view this artists work at the Nasher Sculpture Center, I wish I could!
Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St.
Dallas TX 75201
Millennium Park Map
http://www.millenniumpark.org/documents/5x7in.pdf
