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Chicago Tribune
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: New Richard Hunt exhibit takes the measure of the artist and the man
Sharing a floor gallery space with a Sister Jean made of Legos is one of the most important exhibitions of any season, a compelling display of the work of the late Richard Hunt, captured and celebrated with style and substance. It does not, can not, show the work for which Hunt was most famous, the gigantic metal sculptures that dot the country. There are 160-some of these here and elsewhere, a number that makes Hunt the artist with more public sculptures and monuments in the U.S. than any other. But this is a show that allows you a more intimate encounter with the man and his work. 'Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt' is set to remain through Nov. 15 in the handsome Loyola University Museum of Art, tucked behind the Water Tower at on Michigan Avenue. This is a second stop for this show, which opened last year at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, sparked by an idea from the state's first lady, MK Pritzker. Hunt did not see it. He died on Dec. 16, 2023. But he knew it was coming and he must have been proud, and likely would be if he could see the show, for in addition to his sculptures (some large ones are represented by maquettes, which are smaller, draft models of the proposed sculpture), it provides a measure of the man. Hunt's official biographer Jon Ott writes, 'Richard Hunt's sculptures are the outgrowth of his lived experience,' and the proof is at LUMA. He was born on Sept. 12, 1935, the youngest of two children. His father was a barber who ran a shop on the South Side. His mother was a beautician and librarian. They were influential, allowing Richard to partake in the heavily political barbershop conversations and nurturing his love of reading. Hunt's artistic talent manifested early in drawings he made as a child. He enrolled in the Junior School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he soon received his initial training in sculpture. By 1950, he had carved a studio in his bedroom, and began working with clay and wire, creating such forms as animals and circus performers. In a few years, his studio expanded to the basement. At age 19, he and his family attended the 1955 funeral of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy from the neighborhood, who returned to Chicago, his mother, Mamie, said, 'in a pine box, so horribly battered and waterlogged that someone needed to tell you this sickening sight is your son.' He had been beaten to death and his mother made the brave decision to have an open casket, and so tens of thousands saw Emmett's battered body. Some people prayed, some fainted and all, men, women and children, wept. Richard Hunt was there and was changed forever. Ott writes that seeing Till's body and attending his funeral 'would alter the trajectory of Hunt's artistic expression. … Before long, he would devote himself to civil rights and creating art that expressed the critical need for human freedom and social justice.' He created 'Hero's Head' in 1956 and it is a chilling and haunting part of the LUMA show, a small head made of scrap metal. It was one of Hunt's first welded metal pieces, having taught himself to weld because there was no such training available at the SAIC. He worked and he worked. Awards came his way, and praise. And in 1971, when he was 35, he became the first Black sculptor to have a solo exhibition in the 42-year-long history of New York's Museum of Modern Art. Married three times, he worked and worked, much of that taking place at the former electrical substation on Lill Avenue that would be his studio for more than 50 years, a place where he also mentored other artists and sometimes spent nights on a mattress on the floor in the unheated, un-air-conditioned space. This sort of biographical information is available in the spectacular book that accompanies the exhibition. At the exhibit, you will see films screened on a couple of walls, one of Hunt from long ago, being interviewed in his massive studio by Studs Terkel. In the other, former president Barack Obama is touting his coming center/library and praising Hunt. You will see a wall of books that were once part of his extensive and eclectic personal library. You also get to view the tools of Hunt's distinctive trade. This really is a show for everybody, especially for those who might never have known of Hunt, who lacked the self-promotion gene that many artists possess. The museum staff is knowledgeable and helpful. 'This is one of the most significant and ambitious exhibitions LUMA has participated in,' says Kyle Mathers, museum manager and curator. 'We knew it would be challenging, but Hunt's connection to Loyola and the significance of his work were well worth testing our ability to host an exhibition of this size and scope. This is a great way to celebrate the museum's 20th anniversary.' The museum coordinator is Hannah Luchtenburg. 'I so wish I was able to meet Mr. Hunt before he passed. Everyone I've met who knew him has said the same thing to me: 'Did you ever meet Richard? He was the most kind, humble, genuine man,'' she says. 'But I already knew this to be true upon visiting his incredible Lill Avenue studio; the building itself is a historic gem, but it was clear Richard had created a true community over the five decades in the space. He makes me proud to be a Chicagoan, a South Sider, at that. The impact of Hunt's art is global, the evident themes of struggle, freedom and pursuit of justice in his sculpture are universal. But I think Chicagoans will feel a special appreciation and tie to Hunt and his work; his personal history is Chicago history. I do feel I've gotten to 'know' Richard in some small way.' Like I said, Hunt would have been proud.
CBS News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
New sculpture by Chicago artist D. Lamar Preston unveiled in Woodlawn neighborhood
Art enthusiasts in the Woodlawn neighborhood will have something to gaze at after a new sculpture was unveiled Thursday morning. Artist D. Lamar Preston's "Gifted to Me" sculpture is now on display at the corner of 62nd and Stony near the Hyde Park Academy High School campus. Preston was selected for the Richard Hunt Award, which honors a renowned Chicago artist while creating opportunities for other artists to display their work. The sculpture, composed of individual sheets of oxidized steel, measures 8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 5 feet high and weighs 650 pounds. Preston credits the inspiration behind the work to Richard Hunt himself. "Using what I learned working with he and his team is my best way to honor and show my appreciation for the opportunity to work with a master. Not only a symbolic representation of gifts, I used tools and some repurposed steel I received from Richard to create this work," he said. The sculpture will be on display through May 2027.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
High street brands we miss the most from Debenhams to Woolworths
Experts have analysed search data to reveal the top-searched brands including Debenhams, Woolworths, Toys R Us, Dorothy Perkins, Cath Kidston and Mothercare The high street brands we miss the most including Debenhams and Woolworths have been revealed in a new list. Debenhams is the retailer that most consumers want back, according to new search data, with 499,000 average monthly online searches. Boohoo bought the brand and its website in 2021, but the deal didn't include its high street stores, which eventually closed down. The next most-missed brand is Dorothy Perkins, with 65,000 average monthly online searches. Dorothy Perkins was acquired by Boohoo Group in February 2021, following the collapse of Arcadia Group, which previously owned the brand. Toys R Us is the third most-missed brand with 61,000 searches. Toys R Us collapsed into administration in 2018, with all its 100 UK shops closed as a result - but the retailer has now started opening concessions in WHSmith stores. Other high street giants that feature in the list include Cath Kidston, Mothercare and Woolworths. You can find the top 10 most-missed brands according to research from the Liquidation Centre below. Richard Hunt, Director at Liquidation Centre said: 'The current economic climate poses increasing risks to businesses, especially those in the retail sector. 'It is much easier to lose consumers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential. Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival. 'As we've seen , poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place.' 'For businesses facing financial strain, the first step is to thoroughly assess all revenue streams and expenses. Exploring debt management options and cutting unnecessary costs where feasible is key. This might include negotiating with creditors, landlords, or suppliers to ease financial pressure and begin recovery.' 'If a business reaches the point where liquidation becomes a risk, swift action is vital. Seeking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) can help clarify your options and potentially avoid insolvency altogether.' 13,479 retail stores closed in the UK in 2024, up 28% increase from 2023, according to The Centre for Retail Research. This is equivalent to about 37 stores closing each day. Top 10 high street brands Brits want back The figures below are based on average monthly search volume in the UK. Debenhams - 499,000 Dorothy Perkins - 65,000 Toys R Us - 61,000 Cath Kidston - 35,000 Thorntons - 32,000 Mothercare - 28,000 BHS - 22,000 Woolworths - 19,000 Miss Selfridge - 9,500 Blockbuster - 8,330
Metro
20-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
10 brands Brits want back on the high street - from Debenhams to Woolworths
Whatever you think of different shopping brands, one thing is certain: British high streets are shrinking as more and more close down. It's been a while since Woolworths and Debenhams shut for good, but Poundland is about to close hundreds of stores and Hobbycraft will also shut a number of branches in the latest blow for shoppers. Despite the gloomy outlook, some brands are turning the tides and reopening branches. Music store HMV reopened its iconic Oxford Street store in 2023, four years after it closed, and earlier this year Topshop suggested it could be making a return to the high street. And new figures have revealed the top 10 brands shoppers want to see make a comeback. Experts analysed search data and found Debenhams is an extremely popular choice, with the brand receiving nearly 500,000 searches every month. Customers also want to see Dorothy Perkins, Toys R Us and Mothercare reopen their physical shops. Boohoo bought Debenhams back in 2021, but not its high street shops, which meant they eventually closed. Since then Boohoo has changed its name to Debenhams, reviving the brand, and its chief executive says it will become 'Britain's online department store'. Richard Hunt, director of Liquidation Centre which helps businesses closing down, said: 'The combination of failing to adapt to shifting consumer habits towards online shopping alongside the financial impact of Brexit and the pandemic contributed towards Debenhams' financial strain. 'However, their issues began years prior to these events, with the company carrying unsustainable debts due to poor financial decisions. 'Their online-only comeback will be exciting for many fans, but it also serves as a stark reminder of their failure to compete effectively on the high street amid a changing market.' Dorothy Perkins was also acquired by Boohoo after its previous owner, Arcadia Group, fell into administration in 2020. The brand collapsed after failing to compete with online retailers, with high overheads leading to crippling financial issues. Toys R Us, which receives about 61,000 searches every month, went into administration in 2018 after racking up a £15million tax bill. Poor sales and struggling to keep up with technology meant the brand wasn't able to pay off its debts. Mr Hunt said the current economic climate poses an increasing risk, especially to retail businesses, with even well-loved household names falling by the wayside in recent years. He explained: 'It is much easier to lose consumers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential. More Trending 'Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival. 'As we've seen, poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place. 'If a business reaches the point where liquidation becomes a risk, swift action is vital. 'Seeking advice from a licensed insolvency practitioner (IP) can help clarify your options and potentially avoid insolvency altogether.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Boux Avenue's must-have lingerie set is under £25 – and supports cancer charity, The Eve Appeal MORE: Greggs fans outraged by 'tragic' change bakery is making to its stores MORE: These are the 9 best (and most comfortable!) ballet flats to wear this summer
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dedication of Richard Hunt's sculpture scheduled at Sandburg, Galesburg
A public art dedication will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in the Student Center on Sandburg's Galesburg campus for the donation of a piece by late renowned sculptor Richard Hunt, according to a news release. Hunt's creation, 'Winged Hybrid,' will be donated to the college by Naomi Law and Anthony Law III for the enrichment of the Sandburg community and student engagement. All are invited to attend the dedication. A native of the South Side of Chicago, Hunt, who passed away in 2023, grew to become one of the most prominent sculptors of the 20th Century. He studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he developed his artistic practice and devoted himself to working with metal, teaching himself to solder and later weld discarded metal he scavenged from local scrapyards. At the core of Hunt's artistic and philosophical approach was a fundamental concern with freedom: political and artistic freedom as well as personal and universal freedom. 'I am interested more than anything else in being a free person,' Hunt once said. 'To me, that means that I can make what I want to make, regardless of what anyone else thinks I should make.' Throughout his seven-decade career, Hunt staged over 170 solo exhibitions at major museums and galleries and secured more than 160 large-scale public sculpture commissions. Among his works, Hunt paid tribute to American icons such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Jesse Owens, Hobart Taylor Jr. and Ida B. Wells-Barnett. In 2022, former President Barack Obama commissioned Hunt to create a sculptural work, 'Book Bird,' for the Obama Presidential Center. Learn more about Hunt here. Though not required, you can RSVP for the event here or email foundation@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
