The exhibition, which runs through November 15 at the museum located at 820 North Michigan Avenue behind the Water Tower, represents a unique opportunity to encounter Hunt's work in an intimate setting. While the show cannot display the gigantic metal sculptures for which Hunt was most famous - the 160-plus public works that dot the American landscape - it offers something equally valuable: a deeper understanding of both the man and his artistic vision through smaller works, maquettes, and personal artifacts.
This marks the second stop for the exhibition, which originally opened at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. The show was sparked by an idea from Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker. Tragically, Hunt never saw the completed exhibition, as he passed away on December 16, 2023. However, he was aware of the project and would likely have been proud of how it presents not just his sculptures, but also provides insight into his character and motivations.
According to Hunt's official biographer Jon Ott, "Richard Hunt's sculptures are the outgrowth of his lived experience," and the LUMA exhibition provides ample proof of this connection. Born on September 12, 1935, as the youngest of two children, Hunt grew up in a household that would profoundly shape his worldview. His father operated a barbershop on Chicago's South Side, while his mother worked as both a beautician and librarian. Both parents were influential in young Richard's development, allowing him to participate in the heavily political conversations that took place in the barbershop while nurturing his love of reading through his mother's encouragement.
Hunt's artistic talent emerged early through drawings he created as a child. He enrolled in the Junior School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he received his initial training in sculpture. By 1950, the determined young artist had carved out a studio space in his bedroom, working with clay and wire to create forms depicting animals and circus performers. As his passion grew, so did his workspace, eventually expanding to the family's basement.
A pivotal moment in Hunt's life and artistic trajectory occurred in 1955 when he was 19 years old. He and his family attended the funeral of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old boy from their neighborhood who had been brutally murdered in Mississippi. Till's mother, Mamie, made the brave decision to have an open casket funeral, allowing tens of thousands of people to witness the horrific reality of her son's battered and waterlogged body. The sight was so disturbing that some attendees fainted, while others prayed, and all - men, women, and children - wept at the tragic scene.
This traumatic experience fundamentally changed Hunt's artistic direction. As Ott writes, seeing Till's body and attending his funeral "would alter the trajectory of Hunt's artistic expression." From that point forward, Hunt devoted himself to civil rights causes and creating art that expressed the critical need for human freedom and social justice.
One of the most powerful pieces in the LUMA exhibition is "Hero's Head," created by Hunt in 1956 as a direct response to Till's murder. This chilling and haunting sculpture, made from scrap metal, represents one of Hunt's first welded metal pieces. The work demonstrates Hunt's self-taught welding skills, which he had to learn independently since such training was not available at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago at the time.
The exhibition showcases Hunt's evolution as an artist through various periods of his career. Visitors can see works like "Fish Curve Hybrid," "Large Hybrid" from 1971 in cast bronze, and "Hybrid number 3" (also known as "Crescent Hybrid"). The show also features "Hybrid Figure" in welded steel from 1977, "Arching" in welded bronze from 1985, and "From the Sea" from 1983, also in welded bronze.
One particularly significant piece is Hunt's welded aluminum sculpture honoring John Jones, Illinois' first Black elected official who served as a Cook County commissioner in the 1800s. This work demonstrates Hunt's commitment to celebrating African American history and achievement through his art.
The exhibition goes beyond displaying finished sculptures to provide insight into Hunt's creative process. Visitors can examine Hunt's actual workbench and tools, including three of his most favored and frequently used implements. This intimate look at the artist's working methods helps visitors understand the physical demands and technical expertise required for Hunt's sculptural practice.
Personal elements of the exhibition include a bronze cast portrait of Hunt from 1977, created by Nelli Bar, who was Hunt's instructor. There's also a portrait of Hunt by Harry Alan hanging in the show. These works help visitors connect with Hunt as a person, not just as an artist.
The exhibition features multimedia elements that bring Hunt's story to life. Films are screened on gallery walls, including vintage footage of Hunt being interviewed in his massive studio by renowned broadcaster Studs Terkel. Another film shows former President Barack Obama praising Hunt while discussing plans for the Obama Presidential Center. Additionally, visitors can see a wall displaying books that were once part of Hunt's extensive and eclectic personal library, revealing his intellectual curiosity and wide-ranging interests.
Hunt's work ethic was legendary. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and widespread praise for his contributions to American art. In 1971, at age 35, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Black sculptor to have a solo exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art in the institution's 42-year history.
Despite being married three times, Hunt remained dedicated to his work, spending most of his creative time at a former electrical substation on Lill Avenue that served as his studio for more than 50 years. This unheated, un-air-conditioned space was where he mentored other artists and sometimes spent nights sleeping on a mattress on the floor, demonstrating his complete dedication to his craft.
The exhibition is accompanied by a spectacular book that provides additional biographical information and context for Hunt's work. Museum staff members are knowledgeable and helpful in guiding visitors through the exhibition's rich content.
Kyle Mathers, museum manager and curator, explains the significance of hosting this exhibition: "This is one of the most significant and ambitious exhibitions LUMA has participated in. We knew it would be challenging, but Hunt's connection to Loyola and the significance of his work were well worth testing our ability to host an exhibition of this size and scope. This is a great way to celebrate the museum's 20th anniversary."
Hannah Luchtenburg, the museum coordinator, reflects on Hunt's character and legacy: "I so wish I was able to meet Mr. Hunt before he passed. Everyone I've met who knew him has said the same thing to me: 'Did you ever meet Richard? He was the most kind, humble, genuine man.' But I already knew this to be true upon visiting his incredible Lill Avenue studio; the building itself is a historic gem, but it was clear Richard had created a true community over the five decades in the space."
Luchtenburg emphasizes Hunt's connection to Chicago: "He makes me proud to be a Chicagoan, a South Sider, at that. The impact of Hunt's art is global, the evident themes of struggle, freedom and pursuit of justice in his sculpture are universal. But I think Chicagoans will feel a special appreciation and tie to Hunt and his work; his personal history is Chicago history. I do feel I've gotten to know Richard in some small way."
The exhibition is particularly valuable for those who may never have known of Hunt, as he lacked the self-promotion instincts that many artists possess. Instead, he let his work speak for itself, creating a legacy that spans decades and touches on universal themes of human dignity, freedom, and social justice.
"Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt" offers visitors a comprehensive look at an artist whose influence extends far beyond the art world into the realms of civil rights, social justice, and American cultural history. The exhibition succeeds in presenting both Hunt's artistic achievements and his personal journey, creating a tribute that honors both the man and his monumental contributions to American art.
Admission to the exhibition is $15, and tickets can be purchased at www.luc.edu. The show represents an unmissable opportunity to encounter the work of one of America's most important sculptors in an intimate and educational setting.
