The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled its latest addition to the diverse array of public art found within its transportation corridors: a new sculpture titled "Takeaway" now graces the UIC-Halsted Blue Line station, delivering a whimsical nod to contemporary urban life by the figure of Hermes, the Greek messenger god, adeptly balancing a stack of take-out food containers on his head, the station located at the nexus of the bustling University of Illinois Chicago campus and the vibrant neighborhood of Greektown, which has long served as a confluence for travelers and local commuters alike.
CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. highlighted the underlying significance of the statue, designed by University of Illinois Chicago alumnus and celebrated artist Tom Friedman, noting, "With each new work of art added to CTA’s collection of public art, lies an opportunity for us to either tell a story, share a glimpse into the surrounding community and even enhance once’s travel on public transit," according to a statement obtained by the Chicago Transit Authority.
Depicting Hermes in mid-stride, the sculpture "Takeaway" references both the mythological and the mundane, the stacks of carry-out boxes serving as a contemporary Herma, which in ancient times were stacked stones marking roads and offering protection to travelers through the invocation of Hermes himself; artist Tom Friedman envisions Hermes youthful and mischievous, embodying a spirit akin to a charming and energetic teenager, thus the figure is rendered in stainless steel, stands prominently atop a pedestal at the station's Peoria Street entrance, it commands attention from station users and passersby on the Eisenhower Expressway below.
Costing $600,000, the project's funding was derived from Zoning Bonus provisions tied to city real estate developments which accrue finances specifically earmarked for transit-related purposes in exchange for various zoning bonuses, this particular piece was installed by CTA staff encompassing integrated design, engineering, materials, artist fees, and insurance, as detailed by the Chicago Transit Authority. Furthermore, this installation falls within the scope of CTA's growing collection of public art, which now features nearly 90 permanent works and a host of temporary installations adorning bus facilities and all eight rail lines, the collective effort of local as well as national and international artists, and for those interested in the expansive public art program, they are encouraged to find further insights at transitchicago.com/art.
