Wabansia

1978

Machined & Polished Aluminum

As is often the case with Henry’s titles, Wabansia is a place name.  Wabansia Street in Chicago is a stone’s throw from the studio the artist established in the 70s on Ada Street.  At that time the main industry in the area was Proctor & Gamble and the half paved, half cobblestone pothole filled streets were congested in the daylight hours with trucks and the trappings of an industrial neighborhood.  From the front windows of his building, Henry could look down to Wabansia and “The Hideout”, the local bar.  These days The Hideout is a happening place filled with artists and musicians and members of the “in” crowd…back in the day it was a place to sit with working men, have a drink and lunch… and generally closed up tight after 5.