Flamingo, Steel sculpture in Federal Plaza, Chicago, United States.
Flamingo is a large steel sculpture on Federal Plaza in Chicago, United States, that stands out immediately through its orange-red surface. The construction consists of several curved steel plates that connect into an open framework and form passageways for pedestrians.
Alexander Calder designed the work in the early seventies as part of the first federal program requiring a percentage of construction costs for art. Assembly took place in October 1974 after several months of preparation on site.
The name refers to a large wading bird, suggested by the curved shapes and bright color. Office workers from nearby buildings use the shade beneath the steel arches as a meeting spot or break area during lunch hours.
The sculpture stands in the center of the plaza and is freely accessible from all directions, with no admission or opening hours. On weekdays the surroundings are busy with office workers, while weekends see fewer people around.
The surface carries a special red color often referred to as Calder Red, developed specifically to stand out against the black and glass towers surrounding it. The entire work was welded together on site from individual steel segments that Calder had prepared in his studio.
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