Question 1
Art is essential in the society as it helps to preserve values, promote economic growth, as well as the use in research to connect the current society with memories from the past. Preservation of art is therefore vital to enhance beauty, communicate ideas or preserve memories from the olden days. Museums serve the purpose of maintaining creativity as they house pieces of art from as old as the 16th century. As such, the changing times (which are expressed through art) are stored in the museums, hence can be revisited at any time. Different interpretations of art lead to prejudices that affect the perception of the museums that house the works of art. The Cloud Gate is one piece of art, whose preservation enhances the beauty of Chicago. Various prejudices are underlying the Art Institute of Chicago as well as the relevance of the construction of Cloud Gate in its original location.
The Art Institute of Chicago is the oldest and largest museum in the United States, seeing as it houses some of the earliest works of art. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is an affiliate of the museum, where students are trained in matters art. The museum houses artworks that represent various political and economic eras hence prejudices on political influence on its operations. The institute, which is run as a multi-national corporation, often changes with the diversity in cultural and national perspectives (Harrison, 2009). This diversity is represented by the various forms of art, including contemporary art. The Multiple interpretations of modern art results in prejudices.
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Moreover, art lovers visiting the museum have different expectations that result from misinterpretations of art. The institute provides different compartments that categorize and separate artworks (Harrison, 2009). Recent times have witnessed a shift in critical intellectual processes, therefore leading to misinterpretations of art. As such, the Art Institute of Chicago would be presumed to take a particular stance on social, cultural and political issues, based on the art housed in the museum.
Question 2
The Cloud Gate in Millennium Park, Chicago is one of the most significant works of Anish Kapoor. Also known as “The Bean,” this sculpture has significance to Chicago, seeing as the Millennium Park is its original location. The statue takes the shape of a bean and is made out of stainless steel.
Cloud Gate is wedded to its location in Chicago’s Millennium Park as it represents the beauty of Chicago that was once eroded by industrialization. Its location in an open space at the Millennium Park is a display of the beauty of Chicago (Metin, 2006). It is married to its location because it seeks to have an involvement with the public. The sculpture provides reflections of the changing skyline and the surroundings, resulting in an appealing presentation. As such, the citizens, both of Chicago and beyond, can witness the magnificence of the city. Locating it in a rural area or a private garden would be insignificant as it would not serve its purpose. More so, confining it inside a huge building would hide its public appeal.
Furthermore, the location of the sculpture is significant as it is able to hold its weight. Cloud Gate weighs 110 short tons hence requiring a strong surface to bear its weight. The location of the sculpture has been enhanced by building a braced wall between the Metra train tracks and North Grant Park garage. As such, it would not be placed inside a building as the building would not be able to support it.
In conclusion, museums are relevant in preserving art. They ensure continuity of culture as well as the development of contemporary art. Cloud Gate is a modern piece of art that rests in Millennium Park, Chicago. Its position at the park is significant as it represents social interactivity, a sense of belonging, and the beauty of Chicago.
References
Harrison, C. (2009). An Introduction to art . New Haven: Yale University Press.
Metin, S. (2006). Public Space in the Millennium Case study of Millennium Park, Chicago, IL (postgraduate). University of Cincinnati.
