Flamingo - Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder's Flamingo is a dynamic steel sculpture sitting in Federal Plaza in the Chicago Loop, and is one of the most photogenic public art pieces in the city. The sculpture is painted in Calder's signature vermilion red, specifically to pop against the dark glass and steel of the buildings surrounding it. The contrast is incredible with it's bright red curves against black, angular towers. It works in almost any light and from almost any angle. You can walk right underneath it and through the arches, which opens up a lot of creative options. Shoot up through the legs to frame the buildings above, or step back across the plaza and use the full sculpture as a foreground element against the Federal Center. The sweeping steel plates have clean lines and smooth surfaces that catch light well, especially in the late afternoon when the sun drops low between the buildings and throws warm tones across the red steel. Overcast days work too, since the colour holds up without direct sun and the grey sky keeps things simple. During blue hour the red against a deep blue sky with the office towers lit up behind it is a strong combination. The plaza is open and accessible, right on South Dearborn Street between Adams and Jackson, so there's nothing complicated about getting to it. It's free, it's outdoors, and you can circle the whole thing looking for angles without any restrictions. (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
