Artist Statement
This sculpture is designed to contribute a vivid and whimsical form to the sculpture park being established through Ravenswood Corridor. This work is a reflection of the human form. An 11ft tall, three armed figure covers their eyes with one hand and forms a heart with their others. This figure exists as an icon to the love Chicagoans hold for their city. Chicagoans withstand and grow through fickle weather and the psychological weight of a bustling, historically charged urban-scape. These pressures and forces ultimately yield a warm proximity to one another and a deep fondness for the city. Initially based on imagery from recent painting, the sculpture was brightly painted and rendered by hand throughout the fabrication process. - JOHN AIRO
Project Details
“Blind Love” was commissioned and installed as a part of the debut of the Ravenswood Sculpture Garden in 2021. Click here for more on the making of “Blind Love.”
Sponsors: Ravenswood Community Council, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Special Service Area #31
Team: Brant McCrea, Scott “Gub” Conway, Natalie Murray, Killian Blount
Special Thanks: Darius Airo, Michelle Graves
About the Artist
John Airo is an interdisciplinary artist who was born in Chicago where he currently lives and works. Airo focuses on painting and sculpture but can be recognized for his illustration and mural work in Chicago the last thirty years as well. Airo’s work is environmentally responsive and is committed to such through a biopic and emotionally driven lens. The artist responds to social issues, nature and personal life with his identity as a Chicagoan being vehicular to his visual language. Airo uses the visual scape and soul of Chicago to create his work and often collaborates with other artists and community members to develop and solve his art.
