Magdaline | DESSA KIRK

Standing about 30 feet tall, this piece absolutely captivates, even amid (perhaps because of) the surrounding Chicago insanity. The size does detract slightly from the movement, making this piece seem, from up close, more of a figure upon a pedestal rather than an figure exploding from the ground. I would imagine the implied movement to be even less in the Spring when the cage-like base becomes covered with growth.

The final image in the gallery below, belonging to Jyoti,  is Magdaline during flowering season. It just isn’t as striking as the Winter version. Too romanticized, I think. The Winter version has a very harsh, rigid feel that works with the metal to contrast against both the implied movement and the feminine figure.

I was lucky to catch this piece during the Winter, February 14th of 2009 to be exact. Valentine’s Day. I’m not looking into that coincidence.

Links:
Dessa Kirk (the artist)
Jyoti (the blogger from which the flowering pic below comes)