Philadelphia, PA
- Across the street from Philadelphia City Hall, a 45-foot steel clothespin stands as an icon for the city. Developer Jack Wolgin commissioned the sculpture as part of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority's Percent for Art program. The Percent for Art program requires developers to allocate one percent of new construction costs to art. It has become a widely accepted practice in many U.S. cities.
Clothespin: Philadelphia's Iconic Pop Art Sculpture
Towering over the bustling intersection of Fifteenth and Market Streets in Center City, Philadelphia, stands a unique and iconic piece of public art: Clothespin. This 45-foot-tall steel sculpture, resembling a giant, weathered clothespin, has become a beloved landmark and a symbol of Philadelphia's commitment to integrating art into its urban landscape. Commissioned in the 1970s, Clothespin is more than just a quirky sculpture; it's a testament to the city's innovative Percent for Art program and the enduring power of public art.
A Monumental Vision: The Creation of Clothespin
Clothespin's creation was tied to the ambitious $80 million Centre Square project, which included the development of two high-rise office towers and an atrium adjacent to the subway entrance. Developer Jack Wolgin commissioned the sculpture as part of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority's groundbreaking Percent for Art program. This pioneering initiative, requiring developers to allocate one percent of new construction costs to public art, has since been adopted by numerous cities across the United States.
Claes Oldenburg's Masterpiece: Design and Symbolism
The Clothespin is the work of renowned Swedish-born American sculptor Claes Oldenburg, a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. Known for his large-scale public sculptures of everyday objects, Oldenburg designed Clothespin to be a playful yet thought-provoking addition to Philadelphia's cityscape. The 45-foot-tall sculpture is crafted from Cor-Ten steel, a material that develops a distinctive reddish-brown patina over time, giving it a weathered and organic appearance. Intriguingly, Oldenburg added painted streaks that mimic the natural wood grain of a traditional clothespin, further blurring the lines between the mundane and the monumental. The appearance of the painted streaks changes as the sun moves throughout the day.
More Than Meets the Eye: Interpreting the Clothespin
While seemingly simple in form, Clothespin has sparked various interpretations. Some view it as a symbol of Philadelphia's industrial past, while others see it as a representation of unity and connection, with the two halves of the clothespin joined together. The sculpture was also intended to commemorate Philadelphia's bicentennial; some interpret it as a symbol of Philadelphia as the birthplace of American democracy. Regardless of interpretation, Clothespin's imposing presence and unique design have made it a conversation starter and a memorable landmark.
A Lasting Impact: Clothespin's Legacy in Philadelphia
Since its installation in 1976, Clothespin has become integral to Philadelphia's urban fabric. Art critics have praised its soaring silhouette and ability to transform an everyday object into a powerful artistic statement. The sculpture, located across from Philadelphia's City Hall, has also become a popular destination for tourists and a source of civic pride for Philadelphians.
Clothespin is a testament to the vision of Claes Oldenburg, the foresight of Philadelphia's Percent for Art program, and the power of public art to transform urban spaces. With its playful design and thought-provoking symbolism, this iconic sculpture has become a beloved landmark and a lasting symbol of Philadelphia's commitment to art and innovation. As a prominent feature of Center City, Clothespin continues to inspire, engage, and remind us that even the most ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary works of art.
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