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Chapter 1 <br /> 1.1 Introduction <br /> Several hundred people have gathered in this urban plaza to look, observe, and <br /> photograph at every conceivable angle, this iconic work of art. Internally, they ask the questions: <br /> What does it mean? How did they make this? Why is it here? Who was the artist? Who was <br /> behind this object? How did it happen to be here? How much did it cost? Did the public pay for <br /> this? Was it worth it? How can I take my"selfie" at a unique angle? The city is Chicago. The <br /> sculpture is called Cloud Gate, created by Indian-born artist Sir Anish Kapoor in 2006. Now <br /> affectionately nicknamed "the bean"because of its shape, it is located at the center of City's <br /> central business district. <br /> The throngs of people around this sculpture are a regular occurrence. Almost overnight, <br /> this sculpture became an icon for the City, and a focal point for its unique urban Millennium <br /> Park. Its shiny highly polished chrome finish reflects both the skyline of this City of great <br /> architecture, and the millions of faces of people from around the world that come to Chicago to <br /> visit. It is a"must-see" feature of the city. People are drawn into the piece, literally, as the <br /> hollow center creates an archway that is open to visitors and its polished chrome ceilings <br /> providing some of the most unique photo opportunities. If one listens, several dozen languages <br /> fill the air. People are laughing, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, back-to-back, immersed in the <br /> moment. It is fun. <br /> What were the political, social, cultural, and economic motivations and expectations <br /> around this piece of art? It literally reflects buildings and people, but figuratively reflects an <br /> 11 <br />