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A Chicago suburbs landmark, an art instillation called the "Spindle" is facing destruction. Known to the rest of the world from its appearance in the movie "Wayne's World," this Berwyn (not Aurora) sculpture consists of eight cars impaled on a silver spike. And it is facing destruction to make room for a Walgreens. Yes, a Walgreens. One of those freestanding drugstores that in a conspiracy theory sort of way have started appearing on the corners of every major intersection in America. And so now instead of merely tearing down local businesses and family owned farm, Walgreens is attacking local art.I know that the Berwyn sculpture gets a mixed reaction from the locals. Many see it as local icon, a very visible landmark for their city. Its odd, but that's part of its appeal. Others take the yuppie route saying that its an eyesore that detracts from the beauty of their community. It's odd and different so therefore it's bad. They're also probably the sort of people who complain if the neighbor's kids leave their toys in the front yard or for other random assaults on their suburban assumptions of beauty and order. The same sort of people as those who called the Eiffel Tower and eyesore and demanded its removal. (obviously I have no opinion on this issue).
So it will be interesting to see how this story unfolds. Will the quirky local art be saved or will it be pushed aside by the rich corporation?
Labels: Culture
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Attacking art? Conspiracy theory? You're romantisizing the Spindle as much as the media has. When the Spindle was errected, the local community (yuppies? have you been to Berwyn?) rejected it as ugly and an eyesore. Not until it was featured in Wayne's World was it even considered a piece of art. The artist himself said "If the locals want it, great, they should make their voices heard. If they don't care, then by all means, tear it down."
And I also happen to know that Walgreens (or any other company) can't buy a property unless it's for sale. And guess what? No one cared about the Spindle, it was for sale. Attacking art? It's called consumerism.
Don't forget, Walgreens used to be one of those small, local pharmacies. And Charles Walgreens happened to be smart and successful and grew it into every small business' dream - a big, successful chain of pharmacies.
It's a good company, doing good things. Sure they're everywhere, because they're doing something right.
This is not an attack, please know that. Just an opposing opinion that I felt I had to express. -
So... as long as your local grocer or pharmacist is just successful enough to survive, but not expand... it's not evil. Or... do you grow all of your own food and mix your own drugs when you get sick?
Trust me, I'm not a fan of the Walmarts of the world. There are a lot of problems there. But for as far as I can find, Walgreens is a good company. I'm just saying they're not attacking art and trying to destroy the glory of Berwyn.
There's a difference there.
It's gone....
bah Walgreens.....