Day 11: Taking a Beastly Stand

     Today we find ourselves in the heart of the city, right in front of the James R. Thompson Center.  However, we aren't writing about the Thompson Center quite yet.  Instead, we are writing about the sculpture right in front of the building, entitled Standing Beast. The proper title of the work is actually Monument with Standing Beast, but let's not split hairs.  This sculpture, by Jean Dubuffet was unveiled in 1984, and it is actually based on a painting that he painted in 1960 called Horoscope. It is supposed to represent a standing animal, a tree, a portal, and an architectural form.  Apparently it is affectionately known amongst Chicagoans as "Snoopy in a Blender"  Personally, I just know it as wierd.  It is very interesting to walk up to and explore, you can walk up and underneath it, and it provides a bevy of interesting camera angles.  You'll have to check out the facebook page to see the pictures and know what I'm talking about.