Monument with Standing Beast

I just saw these in a movie called Foster Boy and they reminded me of sculptures in lower Manhattan NY, near Tribeca named Group of Four Trees and turns out they're made from the same sculptor Jean Dubuffet. Large sculptures in two major cities. Pretty cool spotting these in the movie!

Standing Beast by Jean Dubuffet (1984) can be seen just in front of the James R. Thompson Centre. It is a 4-sided, abstract fibreglass object that is white colour with black lines. It is 8.8 metres in height and has erratic yet no discernible shape or form. It seems locally this Dubuffet piece is known colloquially as Snoopy in a Blender.

Beasts from all directions! Definitely fun and interesting for creative photo ops. Just a little distraction with all of the construction equipment in this plaza right now.

The Monument with Standing Beast is an intriguing sculpture that captivates viewers with its unique and enigmatic design. The sculpture, also known as "Monument avec animal debout" in French, was created by the renowned Spanish artist Joan Miró. The sculpture stands tall and commands attention with its imposing presence. It features a large, abstract animal-like figure, standing proudly on its hind legs. The creature's form is organic and fluid, with curving lines and smooth surfaces that give it a sense of movement and vitality. The Monument with Standing Beast is made of bronze, which adds a sense of durability and timelessness to the artwork. The surface of the sculpture is textured, creating a visual and tactile contrast to the smooth, polished areas. This juxtaposition adds depth and interest to the overall composition. Miró's use of abstract forms and symbolism is evident in this sculpture. The standing beast represents a mythical creature that is open to interpretation. Some see it as a symbol of power and strength, while others perceive it as a representation of the human spirit or the creative process itself. The ambiguity of the sculpture invites viewers to contemplate its meaning and form their own interpretations. The location of the Monument with Standing Beast can vary, as multiple versions of the sculpture exist worldwide. It has been displayed in various public spaces, such as parks, museums, and city squares. Its size and striking appearance make it a captivating focal point wherever it is exhibited. The Monument with Standing Beast is a testament to Joan Miró's artistic vision and his ability to create thought-provoking and visually stunning sculptures. It invites viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels, encouraging reflection, interpretation, and appreciation for the power of abstract art.

What can you say about it? It's a strangely intriguing piece of sculpture sitting outside the Thompson center. I really like it, and find myself staring at it whenever I'm down here. But, that being said, I don't think I would ever go out of my way to go and look at it. If I'm nearby with tourists, I might make the suggestion, but otherwise I just simply enjoy it when it pops up in my life.

This is a good landmark for those looking for the J R Thompson Center on Clark and Lake. I remember wandering around inside of this sculpture once as a child when my mother brought me to the Thompson Center to take care of some business. I noticed that they've been doing a good job of keeping it clean lately.

I like public art displayed in the streets and squares. This huge construction has big open space surrounding. Great place to people watch. It is easy to notice from transport or by walking. It is right in front of Thompson Center.

Jean Dubuffet sculpture built in 1984, one of Chicago's public art treasures hidden in plain sight. Makes a nice walking tour stop, don't miss the Picasso, Nevelson, Chagall, Calder, etc. in the Loop. There's lots of great public art downtown besides the bean, if you look for it.

Have you ever walked by this and wondered... "What is THIS?" =Monument with Standing Beast. It is French Artist and Sculptor Jean Dubuffet's public artwork that he "hoped would 'resonate' with the average person." Hmmmm...it is intriguing... The City of Chicago describes the piece as "Monument with Standing Beast is comprised of four elements that suggest a standing animal, a tree, a portal and an architectural form. The configuration invites viewers to enter the sculpture and echoes the dramatically open plan of the James R. Thompson Center." 4 elements: 1. standing animal 2. a tree 3. a portal 4. architectural form (this part is a "no brainer.") See: https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_s_publicartjeandubuffetsmonumentwithstandingbeast.html