Agora means urban meeting place. This is quite an unusual sculpture by Magdalena Abakanowicz, a Polish artist. This installation of 106 headless and armless humanoids is in the south end of Grant Park in Chicago. The artist has said that she was influenced to create this drawing on her fear of crowds. The installation's figures get closer and closer to each other until it actually feels quite claustrophobic to walk among them even though they are outside. I've been wanting to photograph here but there's no parking nearby. We walked through it after taking the bridge over the railroad tracks yesterday to try to find a way back to my house avoiding all the gridlock. We were not successful, but at least I was able to finally photograph in this area.
More on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agora_(sculpture)
Wow that is quite disturbing! Great capture with wonderful shadows.
It reminds me of Anthony Gormley 's life size Iron Men but I found them more soothing. Mind you I think that the intention here is to disturb.Wonderful backdrop.
I also thought elephant legs initially. This is a terrific capture of an intriguing and unusual installation. So alien looking and eerie against the city skyscrapers in the background. Great composition and fav.
A unique piece to be sure. The artist has conveyed her thoughts and feelings perfectly with this piece and you have brought that into your photo with an expert's touch.
Wonderful light and textures in this shot. I find the mindless walking legs fascinating, in kind of a weird way. The skyline is the background adds great context. The artist certainly made her point.
Gosh, that's downright weird Taffy, can't say I like the sculpture at all. Nevertheless, I do like your shot of this odd collection. The processing is, as usual, just wonderful.
@golftragic It was pretty controversial when it was unveiled, I think because of exactly what you and others describe -- too weird, eerie, etc. But it is also so moving and interesting.
Good pun Taffy. My opinion may well be revised if I were to see this collection 'in the flesh', of course. Some things need time and thought to be appreciated.
@taffy I love my night owl friends!! Yes, one of these days I will make it back to Chicago.....in the meantime, I enjoy it through your photos and skip the impending cold weather! It sounds like October will be pretty crazy for you....we've all been there....don't stress about commenting! Oh, and I do find the sculpture incredibly moving and contemplative.
fantastic. I would love to do a road scholar there in Chicago to explore it. I think one of the places they stay is near that park. Or I might just explore it on my own. Seeing your wonderful photos inspires me. I have to add Chicago to my bucket list.
Interesting sculpture. I guess this is one of those creations where the phrase, "Art is subjective" fits well. Great capture with the buildings as a background!
Great shot Taffy, I came across these by accident, I am not normally at this end of Grant Park, I was meeting my daughter at the Field Museum and did not care to walk via the lake. I see your group are dipping your toes into street photography, Chicago is a great place for it. Have fun!
View!!!! Fav
It reminds me of Anthony Gormley 's life size Iron Men but I found them more soothing. Mind you I think that the intention here is to disturb.Wonderful backdrop.