Mark Bradford Unveils 38-Foot Mural for Obama Presidential Center
Mark Bradford has completed 'City of the Big Shoulders,' a 38-foot-tall painting commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The work, installed in the museum's atrium, draws inspiration from Lake Michigan and the city's industrial heritage. Bradford, known for his layered abstractions, used materials like rope, caulk, and torn billboard strips, reflecting his upbringing in a beauty salon. He continued editing the piece during installation, adding a translucent orange paper to the canvas. The painting is named after Carl Sandburg's poem 'Chicago,' which describes the city as 'City of the Big Shoulders.' The Obama Presidential Center, designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, is set to open in 2026 on Chicago's South Side.
Key facts
- Mark Bradford created a 38-foot-tall painting titled 'City of the Big Shoulders' for the Obama Presidential Center.
- The work is installed in the museum's atrium, which features broad, three-story-tall windows.
- Bradford used materials including rope, caulk, and torn strips of billboard.
- The artist continued revising the painting during installation, adding a translucent orange paper.
- The title references Carl Sandburg's poem 'Chicago' and the city's industrial roots.
- The Obama Presidential Center is located on Chicago's South Side.
- The center was designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.
- The museum is expected to open in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Mark Bradford
Institutions
- Obama Foundation
- Obama Presidential Center
- New York Times
Locations
- Chicago
- Lake Michigan
- Chicago's South Side
- United States