moniquemeloche is pleased to announce that Sanford Biggers will unveil a new public sculpture as a part of Google's renovations to the historic Thompson Center in 2027.
Biggers' sculpture reimagines traditional quilt patterns as a hyper-dynamic, tilted accordion structure that offers spaces for interaction and gathering. Vector, the 30-foot tall sculpture, will be a continuation of the artist's celebrated Codex series, in which Biggers explores the hidden meanings and sacred geometries found within antique quilts.
To create the sculpture, Biggers engaged with several local institutions to incorporate Illinois history into the glazed terracotta tile patterns, including historic 19th-century quilts from collections at the Illinois State Museum and Chicago History Museum, in addition to a Tumbling Block motif, a design historically associated with signalling along the Underground Railroad.
The sculpture will be set in place on the plaza near where Jean Dubuffet's 29-foot-tall Monument with Standing Beast formerly stood. The work also joins Downtown's globally known public art "Dream Team" that includes the Picasso at Daley Plaza, Alexander Calder's Flamingo in Federal Plaza and The Sun, the Moon and One Star by artist Joan Miró at 69 W. Washington St.
The installation deepens Biggers' connection to Chicago, where his artistic journey began at the School of the Art Institute in 1999 and continues today. This will be one of his most significant works, transforming the Thompson Center plaza into an intersection of local history and modern craft. Biggers will also present a solo exhibition at moniquemeloche in April 2027 to coincide with EXPO Chicago, with a series of new ceramic works inspired by this commission.
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Google Links with Artist Sanford Biggers to Create a Major Outdoor Sculpture for Loop Headquarters Chicago Sun-Times
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Google's New Plans for Thompson Center Include New Sculpture, 17-Story Revamp Block Club Chicago
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Solo Exhibition Kunsthal N Copenhagen, DE
Details Forthcoming
October 7, 2026 - February 21, 2027 |
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Solo Exhibition moniquemeloche Chicago, IL
Details Forthcoming
April 3 - May 22, 2027 |
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Pays rêvé, pays réel Esther Schipper Paris Paris, FR
On view through September 25, 2026
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Making America Again: So Strong, So Brave, So True Sheila & Richard Riggs Gallery Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, MD
On view through September 29, 2026
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In Minor Keys The 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia Curated by Koyo Kouoh Venice, IT
On view through November 22, 2026
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Dreams of This Future: The Collection of Peggy Cooper Cafritz Studio Museum Harlem New York, NY
On view through February 28, 2027
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Homecoming: Sanford Biggers Socrates Sculpture Park Long Island City, New York
On view through June 27, 2027
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