Picasso's Playground
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Pablo Picasso
Children and youth inspire my spirit and continue to be the subject of many of the images that I have captured - both locally and in my travels. This comes as no surprise to those who know me as I have been a lifelong children’s advocate whose professional career has focused on protecting the rights of children, working to keep their spirits free. I see children as intrinsically strong, competent and powerful, and I think these images illustrate that belief.
My 10th floor office window overlooked Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago in which Picasso’s Sculpture stands. From my window I saw the artistry of the children that Pablo Picasso refers to – they are daring in their movements, in sharp contrast to the adults who are more often involved in doing vs. being. The adults were either texting, talking on their cell phones, issuing commands to their children and sometimes resting.
I was drawn to the interplay of color and light falling on the Picasso sculpture as it changed over the course of each eight-hour day, viewing the Sculpture as a playground where I saw children freely exercising their initiative, determination, confidence and courage as well as their muscles.
In a city known for its segregated housing patterns, these photos illustrate how public art located in the center of a city can serve as a meeting place for children of all racial and ethnic groups, all genders, religions and economic levels in integrated play on an equal playing field. I have been captivated by their freedom and spontaneity as they play on the Sculpture.
