RARA AVIS

Photos by Clements/Howcroft, Boston

Rara Avis
2001
28'h x 15'w x 15'd
cast metal/stainless cable
Midway Airport,
Chicago, IL

Rara Avis is an epic suspended sculpture poetically linking natural and manmade aviation. Comprised of thousands of precisely suspended pewter elements, the artwork employs a three-dimensional Pointillism wherein numerous small sculptures coalesce into a large evanescent composite form.

Travelers approaching the center of Midway Airports new passenger terminal will perceive a monumental image of a cardinal. Upon closer examination a perceptual shift occurs as the large avian form reveals itself to be composed of over 1800 small aircraft.

A wide spectrum of these component elements is rendered, ranging from Leonardo-inspired designs to 19th century balloons to classic passenger airliners to 21st century spacecraft.

Over fifty different aircraft are represented, all distinct, and all coming together to render a macrocosmic image of the Illinois state bird.

Commissioned by the Public Art Program, Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Chicago.

Project Team: Andrea Scofield, Chris Taylor, Sarah Rodrigo