Richard Hunt was a world-renowned American sculptor raised on Chicago’s South Side. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he became one of the most influential African-American abstract sculptors of the 20th century. His work is represented in more than 125 public museums across the globe. Hunt made the largest contribution to public sculpture in the United States with more than 160 public sculpture commissions.
Chicago Children’s Museum is honored to be the recipient of Hunt’s Sea Wall (1971), a unique work designed specifically for children. Originally commissioned for the Children’s Wing of Michael Reese Hospital, the sculpture features openings that once held fish tanks to create a welcoming and interactive environment for young patients.
With the permission of the Richard Hunt Foundation, CCM will work with an expert team of exhibit designers, conservationists, and specialists, both at the museum and in the community, to restore and retain the body of the sculpture as originally conceived while imagining new “worlds” for the openings that once housed the fish tanks. Additionally, we will create interpretive touch panels to tell the story of Mr. Hunt’s life and demonstrate the tools and materials he used in creating his sculptures. Specialized programming centered around Sea Wall will provide children with the opportunity to explore the sculpture, and grow their natural curiosity and love of the unique and unexpected.
Sea Wall joins an ever-growing art collection at CCM, including works from Hebru Brantley, Juan-Angel Chavez, and others. With its unique tactile appeal and surprises around every corner, Sea Wall will enhance CCM’s interactive, playful learning experience, providing yet another opportunity for children to explore concepts of art and design through playful, tactile exploration and play.
Sea Wall, by Richard Hunt is a gift of The Ruttenberg/Kagan Foundation in memory of their parents and grandparents, Sarajean and David C. Ruttenberg.