Bridgeport

1984
35’H x 15’W x 25’D
Painted Aluminum

State of Illinois Building
Chicago, Illinois

Bridgeport was commissioned by the State of Illinois Art in Public Places Program for the ground floor interior of the State of Illinois Center. Bridgeport, at that time was the largest sculpture commission in Illinois’ History.  Now called the James R. Thompson Center, the building designed by Helmut Jahn, creates a unique backdrop for the sculpture. John Henry often sites Franz Kline as an influence or comparison for this piece with its simple, intersecting lines of dark bold strokes.     

The sculpture was the third solution Henry visualized for the space. The first concept hung from the ceiling, cascading down to the lower level and the second solution utilized both ground and lower levels. The third and ultimately chosen solution is a two part construction with each part free standing and not connecting with the other.   This was one of the first of numerous pieces that combine multiple freestanding elements that intersect and interact with one another.