CHICAGO, IL.- Chicago-based, internationally-renowned multi-media artist Jessica Stockholder has been commissioned by the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) business organization to create a dramatic, three-dimensional public art installation this summer in the heart of the downtown “Loop.” Stockholder, who is a pioneer of multimedia installations that incorporate the architecture in which they have been conceived, will create “Color Jam,” a three-dimensional work of art containing flashes of color and geometric shapes that spill from building facades onto the sidewalk and streets of a prominent State Street intersection. (The exact location is to be announced at a later date.) “Color Jam” is the third installment in CLA’s annual Art Loop public art initiative.
Stockholder, formerly of Yale University, is currently a Professor in Visual Arts and chair of the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Chicago. Her work has been exhibited at Dia Center for the Arts, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; among others. Stockholder is originally from Seattle, Washington.
The announcement was made by CLA Executive Director Ty Tabing at the Alliance’s annual meeting Thursday, Feb. 16.
“In the last two years, we have engaged Chicagoans through successful public art initiatives like Art Loop which includes Tony Tasset’s 3-story EYE and Kay Rosen’s GO DO GOOD installation,” said Tabing. “Our goal is to continue to grow these programs and attract an even larger audience to the Loop with bold commissions such as Jessica Stockholder’s installation for the upcoming Art Loop 2012.”
Also announced at the annual meeting is a newly-formed Civic Committee, whose members will work to actively advance public art in Chicago by contributing their expertise and resources to Art Loop 2012 and subsequent art-based projects. The committee will also be instrumental in raising needed funds and championing the project in the community. Committee members include co-chairs Helyn Goldenberg and Jack Guthman as well as Allen Turner, Bill Hood, Deone Jackman, Desiree Rogers, Eric McKissack, Helen Zell, Joan Harris, Martin Nesbitt, Robert Wislow, Stefan Edlis and Steven Crown.
With the expansion of CLA’s public art initiatives, CLA announced the addition of Tristan Hummel to the newly-created position of Program Manager & Curator. He will be responsible for the management and growth of such signature visual arts-based programming as Art Loop 2012; Pop-Up Art Loop, an initiative creating temporary galleries and exhibitions in vacant properties; and Lightscape: A Multisensory Experience on State Street.
Lightscape: A Multisensory Experience on State Street, the one-of-a-kind, year-round light and sound installation on State Street, has captured the public’s attention since its launch past November. Tabing announced that CLA’s plans for Lightscape include updates to enhance visitors’ physical experience, generate public attention and engagement and provide a platform for creative partnerships with Chicago businesses and cultural organizations.
The updates include an increase in the number of Lightscape “clusters,” uplights and interactive features; a dynamic companion microsite; opportunities for guest curators, such as Chicago musicians, DJs, artists and institutions, to select the music for Lightscape; and promotional partnerships in which Lightscape will reflect and amplify events of citywide significance through its music and light display, on-site performances and social media components.
