Hand Woven Sculpture by Artist Orly Genger Designed for Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive Being Installed This Week
‘Hot Rod,’ Created from Miles of Recycled Lobster Rope, on Display for a Year as Part of Mayor’s Initiative to Increase Public Art
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced that today, Hot Rod, a new sculpture by artist Orly Genger will be installed along the lakefront trail. The piece will sit northeast of Lake Shore Drive and Monroe Street along the lakefront trail and is expected to be complete within a week. The piece will be on display for one year.
“Chicago is known for its great art and architecture and this innovative sculpture will add to the beauty of our lakefront for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Mayor Emanuel. “As a student of the Art Institute, Orly Genger knows Chicago and has crafted a piece that will catch your eye and spark conversation.”
Hot Rod is a large-scale installation made from recycled lobster rope. The rope is knotted, painted a vibrant red, and measures approximately 200-ft. long by 8-ft. tall and is one of many public art pieces that will be installed along the lakefront and along a number of Chicago’s boulevards.
“We are thrilled that the installation of the Orly Genger sculpture promotes neighborhood cultural assets, and advances the Chicago Cultural Plan,” said Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
The Chicago Park District contributed $65,000 towards this project, which is similar to Genger’s recent Red, Yellow and Blue installation in New York’s Madison Square Park that featured 1.4 million feet of knotted rope.
“We are excited to share this playful, monumental sculpture with Chicagoans and visitors,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly. “We are committed to sharing our parks to showcase the arts and culture in our great city.”
Orly Genger is a New York City-based artist who attended the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. The rising star has exhibited internationally and is represented by Larissa Goldston.
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For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,100 acres of parkland, more than 580 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling 312.742.PLAY.