Why

Why, 1975

Richard Hunt

Smart Museum

University of Chicago

5550 South Greenwood Avenue

            Erected in honor of Samuel H. Nerlove, a University of Chicago professor of Economics known for his questioning nature, this cast bronze piece is one of a series of works that Hunt describes as “hybrids.” With abstract but suggestive biomorphic forms emerging from a geometric base, Hunt creates a sculpture that seems to be part plant, part animal but allows the viewer to make his or her own associations. 

         Originally located in the College Center quadrangle, its present location outside the Smart Museum of Art is a more intimate space that lends itself to longer engagement with the work.  


Other works:

• Building Growing
• Eagle Columns
• Fox Box Hybrid
• Freeform
• From Here to There
• Slabs of the Sunburnt West
• We Will
• Winged Form