A new art installation in Chicago has just become the largest permanent digital art installation in the world. The installation uses thirty-four projectors and 3D architectural mapping technology to display moving art pieces on Chicago’s Merchandise Mart building along the Chicago River. Every weekday night, work from artists will be featured during the two-hour long projected art shows. Art will be featured that "explores the interaction with the built environment and the natural environment."
Chicago is known for its iconic architecture and its history of rich and diverse public art. This installation is aimed at combining these two qualities to create something that is genuine and original to the city. It’s a really fascinating take on combining modern technologies with 1930s art deco architecture to create something that is modern and innovative, yet still pays homage to the iconic historic architecture of the city. Rahm Emanuel, the mayor of Chicago, has made it a goal of the city to incorporate public art into everyday urban life, and this is a huge advancement in incorporating art into public spaces. It is important to those who created this installation that the focus remains solely on the appreciation of the art, so rules have been made against projecting any sort of branding, sponsorship, or advertisements on the building. This is just the beginning of cities weaving innovative public art into everyday urban life. If you want to check out this incredible art piece in person, you’re in luck; it has been permanently installed, and dazzling art shows will occur every week night for ten months out of the year.