The 'Founders' is more than just an inflatable sculpture; it's a mobile monument and collaborative art piece that brings together history, culture, and community. This unique creation is the result of a partnership between Floating Museum, Chris Pappan (Kanza/Osage, Lakota), and Monica Rickert-Bolter (Potawatomi/African-American/German).
This inflatable sculpture features four busts, each facing one of the four cardinal directions. The form is a blend of interpretations of items from the collections of the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Field Museum of Natural History. It also incorporates interpretations of various historical figures who have shaped Chicago's identity and history.
The 'Founders' sculpture pays homage to several key figures:
- Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable: Chicago’s first non-indigenous settler.
- Kitihawa: Du Sable’s Potawatomi wife, recognizing her vital role in the city's early history.
- Harold Washington: The first African American Mayor of Chicago, a pivotal figure in the city’s political landscape.
- Bust of a Young Boy by William Artis: Representing the artistic contributions and cultural heritage of the African American community.
As part of Floating Museum’s summer programming, 'Founders' makes appearances in community sites throughout Chicago. This allows the art piece to engage with diverse audiences and spark conversations about history, identity, and community.
The 'Founders' project is a powerful example of how art can serve as a catalyst for dialogue and reflection. By bringing together diverse cultural perspectives and historical narratives, the sculpture invites viewers to contemplate the complex and multifaceted stories that have shaped the city of Chicago.
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Here's a table summarizing the key figures represented in the 'Founders' sculpture:
| Figure | Significance |
|---|---|
| Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable | Chicago's first non-indigenous settler |
| Kitihawa | Du Sable's Potawatomi wife |
| Harold Washington | First African American Mayor of Chicago |
| Bust of a Young Boy by William Artis | Represents African American artistic contributions |
Chicago’s Public Art with Floating Museum [CC]
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