Heres Chicago Event Planning Blog

In February when the Art Institute of Chicago opens a much awaited exhibition focusing on the colorful career of Ambroise Vollard, Chicagoans will have good reason to feel somewhat connected to the legendary French art dealer and publisher who championed the works of an unknown avant-garde artist named Pablo Picasso. Vollard is credited with providing early exposure and support to Picasso, thus helping to launch modern art. Oddly, it would later be the unlikely alliance of Chicago’s gruff 

Back-of-the-Yards Mayor Richard J. Daley and the flamboyant Pablo Picasso that helped propel modern art  beyond the galleries and into public spaces.

When the 31-story Civic Center complex – now Daley Plaza – was completed in downtown Chicago in the 1960s, it was hoped that a sculpture by a world-class artist could be commissioned to highlight the plaza area surrounding the building. A civic committee recommended the challenge be offered to Picasso – a daring recommendation at the time since public art in metropolitan areas was generally staid and involved mostly statues of historical figures to avoid controversy. But to the committee’s surprise, the conservative Daley enthusiastically endorsed the recommendation and Chicago’s masterpiece by Picasso was unveiled in 1967.  The 50-foot-tall, 162-ton steel landmark has become a signature image for Chicago and its public presence continues to symbolize the evolving look of major cities.

The Vollard exhibition at the Art Institute will demonstrate the significance of dealers in promoting careers and styles and it will provide a chance to view masterpieces by Cézanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir and many others, explaining how these works were presented to the public.

The exhibition runs from February 17 to May 12. Don’t miss it! And, just maybe, before or after you go, take a swing by the Daley Plaza for a renewed appreciation of our city’s very own Picasso.

Article brought to you by CONTACT/CHICAGO Destination Management Company (DMC), a Planner Preferred Vendor of Hereschicago.com , Chicago's Meetings and Special Events Resource Directory.

Be Sociable, Please Share With Your Colleagues & Friends!

• 

Topics: Chicago Fun Facts | Comments Off

Comments are closed.