The Magnificent Mile Association unveiled a new public art installation called “Monuments of Stillness” on June 3, featuring 10 statues by New York artist Carole A. Feuerman along Michigan Avenue. The exhibition aims to revive the energy of Chicago’s well-known 1999 “Cows on Parade,” which displayed hundreds of themed cow statues across the city and drew significant attention from both residents and tourists.
The unveiling took place in front of the Wrigley Building with Aldermen Brendan Reilly (42nd) and Brian Hopkins (2nd), as well as community leaders such as events department Commissioner Kenya Merritt and Kimberly Bares, CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association, in attendance. Hopkins said, “Welcome to the longest-running outdoor public art gallery in America: Michigan Avenue. This tradition began almost 30 years ago. … We had the famous Cows on Parade installation, which really kind of started this idea that public art should be placed in the most accessible, prominent location for citizens, residents and tourists alike. And that installation started a long partnership with artists and cultural leaders that continues to this day.”
Reilly added during the event, “I know there’s lots of TikTok and Instagram moments waiting to happen here.”
Feuerman’s sculptures depict swimmers in various poses stretching from the Wrigley Building to Oak Street along Michigan Avenue. She said many subjects were people from her own life: “‘Patience’ is Feuerman’s weight management doctor — she helped me lose 45 pounds,” while another statue features her lawyer’s daughter as a model. At a press conference at the unveiling, Feuerman said, “For me, more than 50 years, I’ve explored two subjects that continue to fascinate me: the human form and water… Water is life, sustains us, connects us, and reminds us that we’re part of a larger something other than ourselves… To touch water is in many ways to touch infinity.”
The exhibit begins with two statues at the Wrigley Building—“Justice” and “The Golden Mean”—and continues down Michigan Avenue; additional pieces will be installed over coming weeks. Feuerman said about her reflective works: “Many of these figures appear suspended in thought, balance and contemplation… Some are elevated on mirrored spheres that reflect the city, the sky and the people standing before them… When you look into those surfaces you become part of the work… The sculpture is not complete without you…”
Those interested can view more artworks by Feuerman at Arica Hilton’s Hilton Contemporary gallery at 716 N. Wells St., while all outdoor sculptures will remain displayed until November before traveling to California.
