Smiles in Chicago

Larger than life Sculpture

by J. Seward Johnson

Coe College in Cedar Rapids Iowa, featured some of native son, Grant Wood’s paintings. During my years at Coe I grew fond of his stylized trees, gently rolling Iowa farmlands, and Paul Revere’s ride.

I still smile at the endless parodies of his classic “American Gothic” featuring the famous couple with their props: kitchen apron and clunky shoes, bib overalls and pitchfork. Have you seen the one with the faces of Miss Piggy and Kermit?

So here I was in Chicago, walking along Wacker Drive towards Michigan Avenue. I looked across the river and saw... "American Gothic" in bronze! And it is way larger than life.

Iowa on Michigan Avenue

I had to cross over and look up at those very serious faces. And yes, it's OK to touch. Everyone was grinning as they took turns having friends snap their pictures in front of the farmer's lower legs. Yes, he's that tall.

What a gift, a happy surprise to see these old friends. The sculpture represents beauty – a faithful reproduction of the characters. It’s also humor –the quirky delight of finding 1930s rural Iowa plunked among 21st century Chicago's skyscrapers. In addition the sculptor has added his own touch – a well-traveled suitcase.

To me there is something beyond human planning when the city and two artists (one past, one present) come together and succeed in creating a continuing collective smile on passersby.