The Art Institute responds to Lorado Taft letter, petition

Will the new Obama Center bring more attention to Lorado Taft?   It remains to be seen.  Taft's massive Fountain of Time, completed in 1922, is in Washington Park, on the opposite side of Midway Plaisance about one mile away.  The detail above comes from this  remarkable monument of 100 figures.

The Art Institute responded to my letter addressed to James Rondeau, Director and President of the Art Institute of Chicago, Eric Lefkofsky, Chairman of the Board, and Sara Kelly Oehler, Curator, Arts of the Americas & Vice President of Curatorial Strategy. 

Director Rondeau said:  "We always consider its installation thoughtfully. The planning for the reinstallation of the Americas galleries is underway and we hope to include this great work in future installations when it can be seen for extended periods of time."  

His reply suggests that The Solitude of the Soul will be going back on display in 2028 when the American wing reinstallation will be completed. He also remarked that the statue weighs nearly 8,000 pounds and that it needs to be moved carefully, protected and away from construction.  Near the sculpture court a Conservation Center is under construction. 

My belief is that five years is too long for a beloved work of art to be missing from public view. At the end of the letter, Mr. Rondeau thanked me for calling attention to matters of public concern. Thirty people have paid to promote this petition resulting in 380+ signatures, a strong show of public support.  Most of the signatures come from Illinois residents, especially from Chicago.   At least 20 artists and art historians signed.

Let’s remind the Art Institute to not forget our heritage, the museum’s history and Taft’s role in the city.  Other Chicago art museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Mexican Art fulfill critical roles that the Art Institute shouldn’t try to fulfil. The newly-opened Obama Center highlights diverse, contemporary voices in art, but the AIC is the city’s comprehensive art historical museum.

Taft widely is known and admired in central Illinois, having been born and raised there.   John Kokoris, johnkokoris.com, has many photographs of his work and I suggest you check out his website and X account to see more, @mr1llinois.  

Let's get to 500 signatures to make sure the Art Institute honors its audience. The next update will show works by Lorado Taft's students, highlighting his influence around the country.