Spindle, Public sculpture in Cermak Plaza, Illinois.
Spindle was a metal sculpture featuring eight automobiles stacked vertically on a metal spike rising about 50 feet high in a shopping center parking lot. The cars came from different decades and were arranged in a striking display that dominated the landscape.
Artist Dustin Shuler created this work in 1989 using vehicles spanning the 1960s through 1980s, with a red Volkswagen Beetle positioned at the top. The sculpture stood for 19 years before being dismantled in 2008 to make way for a new pharmacy building.
The sculpture gained recognition as a roadside art landmark through its appearance in Wayne's World, becoming a cultural touchstone that drew visitors and sparked conversations about public art.
The location was easy to reach, situated on a public parking lot adjacent to a shopping center and visible from the street. Visitors could view and photograph the sculpture at no cost without any admission requirements.
The foundation extended 9 meters underground to support the full weight of eight complete vehicles stacked in a delicate balance system. One vehicle was a BMW donated by the shopping center developer David Bermant, making it a personal contribution to the artwork.
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