The Obama Presidential Center has announced nine new artist commissions that will enhance its upcoming campus in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side. The prestigious lineup includes renowned artists Jenny Holzer, Nick Cave, and Aliza Nisenbaum, who will create original works specifically for the presidential center.
These new artistic installations will be strategically distributed throughout the Obama Presidential Center's campus, adding cultural depth and visual appeal to the institution. The commissions represent a significant investment in contemporary art and demonstrate the center's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and perspectives.
This latest announcement builds upon previous artistic commissions for the center, including Julie Mehretu's ambitious 83-foot-tall glass mural. Former President Obama himself praised Mehretu's concept, stating that it was "on point" and aligned with the center's vision and mission.
The Obama Presidential Center has also previously announced other notable artistic collaborations, including a public art installation by Maya Lin, the acclaimed architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Lin's work will be featured in the Water Garden, which has been named in honor of former President Obama's mother, Ann Dunham.
Additionally, sculptor Richard Hunt has been commissioned to create a work for the Obama Center, further expanding the institution's impressive collection of contemporary art. The center, which has been in development for several years, is scheduled to open in 2025 and promises to be a significant cultural landmark on Chicago's South Side.
These artistic commissions reflect the Obama Presidential Center's broader mission to serve as more than just a traditional presidential library, positioning itself as a dynamic cultural institution that celebrates creativity, diversity, and community engagement through the power of contemporary art.
