Being Born, (sculpture).

Being Born, (sculpture).

Ferrari, Virginio, 1937- , sculptor.

Being Born, (sculpture).

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: stainless steel; Base: granite with reflecting pool in the center.

Sculpture: Approx. H. 20 ft. Diam. 20 ft.; Base: Approx. H. 1 1/2 ft. Diam. 18 ft.

(On south side of base, carved into stone on top:) Being Born by Virginio Ferarri donated by the Tool & Die Institute to the City of Chicago, Harold Washington, Mayor/November 9, 1983. (On northwest part of base, on a metal plaque:) KIM LIGHTING

A vertically positioned metal ring sits inside another vertical ring which has a small opening on one side. The two rings rest atop a round granite base which conceals a water mechanism that releases a continuous flow of water over a central surface, acting as a reflecting pool. The outer portion of the granite base functions as a bench.

Abstract -- Geometric

Allegory -- Life -- Birth

Outdoor Sculpture -- Illinois -- Chicago

Administered by City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs, Public Art Program, 78 East Washington, Chicago, Illinois 60602

Located State Street Mall, Washington Street, in front of Marshall Field and Company, Chicago, Illinois

Gift of Tool and Die Institute, Park Ridge, Illinois 1983.

Bach and Gray publication provided 1983 as execution date and the SOS survey gave 1982. The sculpture pays tribute to the tool and die industry. The two circular pieces which fit together perfectly symbolize die making, and the open portion on the outer circle shows that the industry is growing.

Bach, Ira J., and Mary Lackritz Gray, "A Guide to Chicago's Public Sculpture," Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1983, pg. 77.

Gray, Mary Lackritz, "Department of Cultural Affairs Loop Sculpture Guide," Chicago: Department of Cultural Affairs, 1990, no. 7.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Illinois, Chicago survey, 1992.

Bach, Ira J., and Mary Lackritz Gray, "A Guide to Chicago's Public Sculpture," Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1983, pg. 77.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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