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First Amendment Sculpture Chosen as Centerpiece of McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum |
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Written by regional-news.com
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Tuesday, 12 July 2005 |
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McCormick Tribune Foundation
A spiral of aluminum plates -- each plate like a piece of paper stamped with an individual's story expressing a First Amendment freedom -- will form the two-story sculpture suspended from the rotunda ceiling at the center of the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum.
The McCormick Museum Foundation announced today that Peter Bernheim and Amy Larimer of San Diego have been selected as the winners of its international, juried art competition for the signature work of art for the museum. Their submission, titled "12151791" to recognize the ratification date of the First Amendment, will be the centerpiece of the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum, which is scheduled to open in spring 2006.
"12151791" is a series of stainless steel plates hovering from vertical cables. Each plate depicts the text of a historical record of freedom, gathered from a variety of both well-known and more obscure first-hand accounts. The cables are organized chronologically in a spiral formation, each representing an interval of time, beginning with the ratification of the First Amendment. Described by the artists as a "suspended timeline," the work suggests an endless commentary on the progression and debate of First Amendment freedoms.
"We are honored to be a part of the rich history of the Tribune Tower and excited to work with an institution as progressive as the McCormick Tribune Foundation," said Larimer and Bernheim. "The opportunity to create such a significant document is overwhelming -- it is our hope that the sculpture is a timeless piece for the museum, celebrating those who have taken risks to insure our freedoms."
More than 700 entries were received from around the globe for the competition, including proposals from artists in countries such as China, Russia and Iran. The art competition was inspired by the Chicago Tribune's 1922 competition to design the Tribune Tower, a landmark on North Michigan Avenue where the Freedom Museum will be housed.
"The conclusion of this competition signifies a milestone in the museum's development," said David Anderson, executive director of the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum. "Peter and Amy's entry will enhance our museum visually and communicate its message of freedom to visitors of all ages and backgrounds."
Bernheim and Larimer will receive $100,000 in addition to expenses to construct and install the piece. The work will be unveiled at the museum's grand opening in spring 2006. Second and third places were awarded to Jason Pickleman of Chicago, and Francine LeClercq and Ali Soltani of New York, respectively.
The winning entry was recommended by the competition's distinguished jury, which included James Cuno of the Art Institute of Chicago and Susan Fisher Sterling of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The McCormick Tribune Foundation's board of directors recently approved the jury's recommendation.
"This was a most challenging commission. The work's setting within a busy, interactive space of moving images and texts required that it be at once quiet and strong," said Cuno. "The jury was unanimous in its attraction to '12151791' on just these terms. Its clarity of theme and subtlety of presentation will deepen its broad, educational appeal and provide a sensitive, central core image and experience for the museum as a whole."
Inspired by Col. Robert R. McCormick's strong belief in the responsibility of citizens to participate in and contribute to our democratic way of life, the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum will encourage generations to understand, value and protect America's freedoms, while highlighting First Amendment rights. The 10,000 square-foot museum, which will be located in the historic Tribune Tower on North Michigan Avenue, will open in the spring of 2006. The museum is the cornerstone project of the McCormick Tribune Foundation's 50th anniversary celebration.
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation's largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of close to $1.5 billion. In 2004 the foundation approved the distribution of more than $109 million to invest in communities, address human needs and promote the ideals of a democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was first established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas -- communities, education, journalism and citizenship -- and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. |
