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Coordinates: 34°00′35″N 118°29′24″W / 34.009768°N 118.490096°W / 34.009768; -118.490096
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'''''Chain Reaction''''' is a 1991 American peace monument and [[public art]] sculpture created by editorial cartoonist [[Paul Conrad]] (1924–2010). It is located in the Santa Monica Civic Center on the east side of Main Street between the Santa Monica Courthouse and the [[Santa Monica Civic Auditorium]] in [[Santa Monica, California]]. The sculpture takes the form of an 8-meter (26-foot) high [[mushroom cloud]] created by a [[nuclear explosion]], composed of copper chain links. It is built on a metal framework of stainless steel and fiberglass surrounded by concrete and weighs 5.5-tons. It is one of approximately 37 works of public art in the 8.3 square mile city of Santa Monica.<ref>[http://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Portals/Culture/Resources/ArtTrekMap.pdf Santa Monica Art Trek Map]. Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2011.</ref>
'''''Chain Reaction''''' is a 1991 American peace monument and [[public art]] sculpture created by editorial cartoonist [[Paul Conrad]] (1924–2010). It is located in the Santa Monica Civic Center on the east side of Main Street between the Santa Monica Courthouse and the [[Santa Monica Civic Auditorium]] in [[Santa Monica, California]]. The sculpture takes the form of an 8-meter (26-foot) high [[mushroom cloud]] created by a [[nuclear explosion]], composed of copper chain links. It is built on a metal framework of stainless steel and fiberglass surrounded by concrete and weighs 5.5-tons. It is one of approximately 37 works of public art in the 8.3 square mile city of Santa Monica.<ref>[http://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Portals/Culture/Resources/ArtTrekMap.pdf Santa Monica Art Trek Map]. Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2011.</ref>


An inscription at the base of the sculpture reads, "This is a statement of peace. May it never become an epitaph." The theme of the sculpture reflects the subject of [[nuclear disarmament]].<ref>Lollis, E. (2013). ''Monumental Beauty: Peace Monuments and Museums Around the World''. Bookstand Publishing. ISBN 9781618635433. p. 37.</ref> Conrad first expressed interest in building the sculpture in either Beverly Hills or Santa Monica in 1988. He donated the sculpture to the city of Santa Monica with the help of a then-anonymous donation of $250,000. It was later revealed that the donation came from philanthropist [[Joan Kroc]], widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of the [[McDonald's]] corporation.<ref>Napoli, L. (2012, March 20). [http://blogs.kcrw.com/whichwayla/2012/03/city-council-to-unravel-chain-reaction Updated: City council to unravel Chain Reaction?] KCRW; Napoli, L. (2013, August 26). [http://blogs.kcrw.com/whichwayla/2013/08/the-artist-the-philanthropist-the-sculpture-paul-conrad-joan-kroc-and-the-secret-history-of-chain-reaction The artist, the philanthropist, the sculpture: Paul Conrad, Joan Kroc and the secret history of Chain Reaction]. Which Way L.A.? KCRW; Napoli, L. (2013, October 18). [http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201310181630/d The Secret Behind a Piece of Anti-Nuclear Public Art]. The California Report. KQED Public Radio.</ref> Joan Kroc spent millions campaigning for nuclear disarmament in the 1980s.<ref>Harris, S. (1985, October 13). [http://articles.latimes.com/print/1985-10-13/news/mn-15799_1_joan-kroc Dismayed by Nuclear Arms Race: McDonald's Fortune Fuels Joan Kroc's Peace Effort]. ''Los Angeles Times.</ref>
An inscription at the base of the sculpture reads, "This is a statement of peace. May it never become an epitaph." The theme of the sculpture reflects the subject of [[nuclear disarmament]].<ref>Lollis, E. (2013). ''Monumental Beauty: Peace Monuments and Museums Around the World''. Bookstand Publishing. ISBN 9781618635433. p. 37.</ref> Conrad first expressed interest in building the sculpture in either Beverly Hills or Santa Monica in 1988. He donated the sculpture to the city of Santa Monica with the help of a then-anonymous donation of $250,000. It was later revealed that the donation came from philanthropist [[Joan Kroc]], widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of the [[McDonald's]] corporation.<ref>Napoli, L. (2012, March 20). [http://blogs.kcrw.com/whichwayla/2012/03/city-council-to-unravel-chain-reaction Updated: City council to unravel Chain Reaction?] KCRW; Napoli, L. (2013, October 18). [http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R201310181630/d The Secret Behind a Piece of Anti-Nuclear Public Art]. The California Report. KQED Public Radio.</ref> Joan Kroc spent millions campaigning for nuclear disarmament in the 1980s.<ref>Harris, S. (1985, October 13). [http://articles.latimes.com/print/1985-10-13/news/mn-15799_1_joan-kroc Dismayed by Nuclear Arms Race: McDonald's Fortune Fuels Joan Kroc's Peace Effort]. ''Los Angeles Times.</ref>


After Conrad died in 2010, the city of Santa Monica began to reevaluate the structural integrity of the sculpture. In 2011, the city erected a fence around the sculpture due to safety concerns.<ref name="Pool">Pool, B. (2011, June 29). [http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011/jun/29/local/la-me-sculpture-danger-20110629 Paul Conrad's "Chain Reaction": Controversial Santa Monica sculpture may need repair]. ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref> The City Council set a deadline of February 1, 2014, for supporters of the sculpture to contribute to restoration funds, otherwise the sculpture could face decommissioning.<ref name="VE">Echavaria, V. (2013, January 31). [http://argonautnews.com/santa-monica-city-council-gives-one-year-extension-for-anti-nuclear-sculpture-fundraising-2/ Santa Montica City Council gives on-year extension for anti-nuclear sculpture fundraising]. ''The Argonaut''. Retrieved December 21, 2013.</ref> Community activists debated how to pay for needed repairs and a series of fundraisers were held to contribute to the restoration project. In 2012, the Landmarks Commission gave the sculpture official landmark status.<ref>Romero, D. (2012, July 10). [http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2012/07/chain_reaction_paul_conrad_santa_monica_landmark.php 'Chain Reaction' by Paul Conrad Now a Santa Monica Landmark]. ''LA Weekly''. Retrieved January 4, 2014.</ref>
After Conrad died in 2010, the city of Santa Monica began to reevaluate the structural integrity of the sculpture. In 2011, the city erected a fence around the sculpture due to safety concerns.<ref name="Pool">Pool, B. (2011, June 29). [http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011/jun/29/local/la-me-sculpture-danger-20110629 Paul Conrad's "Chain Reaction": Controversial Santa Monica sculpture may need repair]. ''Los Angeles Times''.</ref> The City Council set a deadline of February 1, 2014, for supporters of the sculpture to contribute to restoration funds, otherwise the sculpture could face decommissioning.<ref name="VE">Echavaria, V. (2013, January 31). [http://argonautnews.com/santa-monica-city-council-gives-one-year-extension-for-anti-nuclear-sculpture-fundraising-2/ Santa Montica City Council gives on-year extension for anti-nuclear sculpture fundraising]. ''The Argonaut''. Retrieved December 21, 2013.</ref> Community activists debated how to pay for needed repairs and a series of fundraisers were held to contribute to the restoration project. In 2012, the Landmarks Commission gave the sculpture official landmark status.<ref>Romero, D. (2012, July 10). [http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2012/07/chain_reaction_paul_conrad_santa_monica_landmark.php 'Chain Reaction' by Paul Conrad Now a Santa Monica Landmark]. ''LA Weekly''. Retrieved January 4, 2014.</ref>
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Conrad later began working as a sculptor, often donating smaller works for fundraisers.<ref>Jones, A. (2001, October 26). Pen-and-ink prophet. ''National Catholic Reporter'', pp. 12–13.</ref> Conrad died at the age of 86 in 2010.<ref name="McFadden"/>
Conrad later began working as a sculptor, often donating smaller works for fundraisers.<ref>Jones, A. (2001, October 26). Pen-and-ink prophet. ''National Catholic Reporter'', pp. 12–13.</ref> Conrad died at the age of 86 in 2010.<ref name="McFadden"/>
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==Funding==
Philanthropist Joan Kroc, widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of the [[McDonald's]] corporation, was active in the [[Anti-nuclear movement in the United States]]. She was also known as a generous patron of the arts. Kroc met Conrad after he lecture he gave, and she became friends with him and his wife. She later anonymously contributed $250,000 to build the sculpture.<ref>Napoli, L. (2013, August 26). [http://blogs.kcrw.com/whichwayla/2013/08/the-artist-the-philanthropist-the-sculpture-paul-conrad-joan-kroc-and-the-secret-history-of-chain-reaction The artist, the philanthropist, the sculpture: Paul Conrad, Joan Kroc and the secret history of Chain Reaction]. Which Way L.A.? KCRW;</ref><ref name="Pike">Pike, I. (2013, October [http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2013/oct/06/art-goodbye-chain-reaction/ Goodbye, "Chain Reaction"?] ''San Diego Reader''. Retrieved January 5, 2014.</ref>


==Design==
==Design==

Revision as of 04:10, 6 January 2014

Chain Reaction
File:Paul Conrad, Chain Reaction.JPG
ArtistPaul Conrad
Year1990–91
TypeSculpture
MediumCopper chain link and stainless steel
LocationSanta Monica, California, United States
Coordinates34°00′35″N 118°29′24″W / 34.009768°N 118.490096°W / 34.009768; -118.490096
OwnerAdministered by City of Santa Monica Arts Department

Chain Reaction is a 1991 American peace monument and public art sculpture created by editorial cartoonist Paul Conrad (1924–2010). It is located in the Santa Monica Civic Center on the east side of Main Street between the Santa Monica Courthouse and the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California. The sculpture takes the form of an 8-meter (26-foot) high mushroom cloud created by a nuclear explosion, composed of copper chain links. It is built on a metal framework of stainless steel and fiberglass surrounded by concrete and weighs 5.5-tons. It is one of approximately 37 works of public art in the 8.3 square mile city of Santa Monica.[1]

An inscription at the base of the sculpture reads, "This is a statement of peace. May it never become an epitaph." The theme of the sculpture reflects the subject of nuclear disarmament.[2] Conrad first expressed interest in building the sculpture in either Beverly Hills or Santa Monica in 1988. He donated the sculpture to the city of Santa Monica with the help of a then-anonymous donation of $250,000. It was later revealed that the donation came from philanthropist Joan Kroc, widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of the McDonald's corporation.[3] Joan Kroc spent millions campaigning for nuclear disarmament in the 1980s.[4]

After Conrad died in 2010, the city of Santa Monica began to reevaluate the structural integrity of the sculpture. In 2011, the city erected a fence around the sculpture due to safety concerns.[5] The City Council set a deadline of February 1, 2014, for supporters of the sculpture to contribute to restoration funds, otherwise the sculpture could face decommissioning.[6] Community activists debated how to pay for needed repairs and a series of fundraisers were held to contribute to the restoration project. In 2012, the Landmarks Commission gave the sculpture official landmark status.[7]

Background

Conrad was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, by a conservative Catholic family.[8] After graduating High School, he worked in construction in Alaska, and found extra work as a piano player in a brothel.[9] He was then drafted into the Army Corps of Engineers and fought in Guam and Okinawa.[10] After the war, he studied art at the University of Iowa. Conrad was recruited as a cartoonist by the editor of the Daily Iowan. He decided to make it his profession and he was hired by the Denver Post as their editorial cartoonist after graduation in 1950.[11]

U.S. nuclear weapon tests circa 1952

It was at the Denver Post where his cartoons first touched upon the subject of peace and nuclear weapons. His cartoon depicting the ending of the atmospheric nuclear testing moratorium in 1961 was categorized by Gamson and Stuart (1992) as falling under the universal “Common Security” media frame popularized by the peace movement in the United States. These types of cartoons emphasized progress towards disarmament and “mutual cooperation, trade, cultural interaction, problem solving, and peacemaking” towards other nations, such as the Soviet Union.[12]

He joined the Los Angeles Times in 1964 where he spent the next four decades until he retired. After criticizing president Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal, Conrad was the only cartoonist to appear on Nixon's Enemies List. In the 1980s, Conrad criticized the military buildup and arms race advocated by president Ronald Reagan, and the involvement of the Reagan administration in the Iran–Contra affair, the illegal covert operation which sold weapons to Iran to secure the release of hostages while funding the contras in Nicaragua with the proceeds from the arms sales.[8]

Conrad later began working as a sculptor, often donating smaller works for fundraisers.[13] Conrad died at the age of 86 in 2010.[10]

Funding

Philanthropist Joan Kroc, widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of the McDonald's corporation, was active in the Anti-nuclear movement in the United States. She was also known as a generous patron of the arts. Kroc met Conrad after he lecture he gave, and she became friends with him and his wife. She later anonymously contributed $250,000 to build the sculpture.[14][15]

Design

The sculpture is based on a cartoon sketch by Conrad.[16] Peter Carlson Enterprises assembled the sculpture by linking 38,000 J-shaped pipes used for plumbing fixtures.[17] Two plaques appear at the base, with one bearing the name of the artist (Paul Conrad), the title of the work and date (Chain Reaction, 1991), a description of the material used to construct the sculpture (Copper chain link and stainless steel) and information about the work (Collection of the City of Santa Monica. A donation from an anonymous donor. A project of the Santa Monica Arts Commission). The inscription on the second plaque reads, "This is a statement of peace. May it never become an epitaph."[18]

Proposal

Conrad expressed interest in building the sculpture in either Beverly Hills or Santa Monica. In 1988, he created a two foot model of the sculpture and proposed his work to the Santa Monica Art Commission.[19] He showed off a model of the proposed scultupre to the Beverly Hills Fine Arts Committee in early 1989. The committee, appointed by the Beverly Hills City Council, deliberated Conrad's proposed sculpture for three months. During that time, Conrad was attacked as an anti-Semite by several residents of Beverly Hills because of his recent editorial cartoons depicting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the intifada. The Beverly Hills committee eventually turned down the proposal for the Chain Reaction sculpture on April 12, 1989, citing the lack of a suitable site in Beverly Hills that could accommodate the structure. "It is a piece of monumental proportions that needs a very large, large area," committee chairwoman Ellen Byrens told the Los Angeles Times.[20]

More than a thousand ballots were cast in Santa Monica, with the majority voting against the placement of the sculpture. However, the Santa Monica Art Commission voted four separate times to accept the work, with the final vote taking place in 1990.[21] The City Council finally approved the work in 1991. Funds were donated to the Santa Monica Arts Foundation to build it and the sculpture was given to the city as a gift.[22]

Safety inspection

The sculpture was surveyed and considered "well maintained" by the Smithsonian's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in March 1995.[23] In June 2011, an inspector observed children climbing the sculpture. Safety tests were performed showing that the underlying material of fiberglass and attached copper chains were stable. However, questions were raised about the long term use of fiberglass; rust and corrosion were also found on the steel frame skeleton and the anchor bolts holding the sculpture to the base were weakened.[24] On June 27, 2011, a safety fence was installed to protect the public.[22]

Los Angeles Times art critic Christopher Knight defended the sculpture from those who claimed it should be removed because of its weakened state. In defense of the sculpture, Knight cited a 2012 report for the city authored by a structural engineer who concluded that in his expert opinion, "the sculpture is not an imminent hazard nor should it be considered dangerous".[25]

Landmark

In May 2012, the city of Santa Monica filed an application to nominate the sculpture for landmark status. A public hearing was held in July, after which the sculpture was selected as a landmark by the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission.[26] It was the first work of public art to become a landmark in the City of Santa Monica.[27]

Other works

  • Risen Christ (Altar piece, St. John Fisher Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.)
  • Otis Chandler (Bust, Los Angeles Times building)

See also

References

  1. ^ Santa Monica Art Trek Map. Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2011.
  2. ^ Lollis, E. (2013). Monumental Beauty: Peace Monuments and Museums Around the World. Bookstand Publishing. ISBN 9781618635433. p. 37.
  3. ^ Napoli, L. (2012, March 20). Updated: City council to unravel Chain Reaction? KCRW; Napoli, L. (2013, October 18). The Secret Behind a Piece of Anti-Nuclear Public Art. The California Report. KQED Public Radio.
  4. ^ Harris, S. (1985, October 13). Dismayed by Nuclear Arms Race: McDonald's Fortune Fuels Joan Kroc's Peace Effort. Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ Pool, B. (2011, June 29). Paul Conrad's "Chain Reaction": Controversial Santa Monica sculpture may need repair. Los Angeles Times.
  6. ^ Echavaria, V. (2013, January 31). Santa Montica City Council gives on-year extension for anti-nuclear sculpture fundraising. The Argonaut. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  7. ^ Romero, D. (2012, July 10). 'Chain Reaction' by Paul Conrad Now a Santa Monica Landmark. LA Weekly. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Multer-Wellin, B. (2006). Paul Conrad: Drawing Fire. Documentary, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Cite error: The named reference "Multer" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ Schudel, M. (2010, September 5). Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist. The Washington Post, p. B04.
  10. ^ a b McFadden, R. D. (2010, September 4). Paul Conrad, Cartoonist, Dies at 86. The New York Times. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  11. ^ Jones, A. (2001, October 26). Pen-and-ink prophet. National Catholic Reporter, 38(1): 12–13.
  12. ^ Gamson, W. A., & Stuart, D. (1992). Media Discourse as a Symbolic Contest: The Bomb in Political Cartoons. Sociological Forum, 7(1): 55–86.
  13. ^ Jones, A. (2001, October 26). Pen-and-ink prophet. National Catholic Reporter, pp. 12–13.
  14. ^ Napoli, L. (2013, August 26). The artist, the philanthropist, the sculpture: Paul Conrad, Joan Kroc and the secret history of Chain Reaction. Which Way L.A.? KCRW;
  15. ^ Pike, I. (2013, October Goodbye, "Chain Reaction"? San Diego Reader. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  16. ^ Hill-Holtzman, N. (1991, December 29). Disputed Sculpture Finally in Place. Los Angeles Times, p. J5.
  17. ^ Moody, L. (1995, July 26). Some assembly required. Daily News.
  18. ^ Senn, E. (2013, August 13). The Contested Fate of Santa Monica's 'Chain Reaction'. Artbound. KCET. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  19. ^ ICF International. (2012, July). Chain Reaction Landmark Assessment Revised. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  20. ^ Chazanov, M. (1989, April 16). Mushroom-Cloud Statue Bombs in Beverly Hills. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  21. ^ Rivera, J. (1990, October 11). Mushroom Cloud Sculpture OKd for Santa Monica Site. Los Angeles Times, p. 1.
  22. ^ a b Chain Reaction sculpture to be assessed. (2011, June 27). States News Service.
  23. ^ ”Chain Reaction (sculpture)”. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  24. ^ Archibald, A. (2012, March 7). "Chain Reaction" is galvanizing local activists. Santa Monica Daily Press.
  25. ^ Knight, C. (2013, September 19). Santa Monica bid to remove Paul Conrad's "Chain Reaction" nonsensical. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  26. ^ Staff. (2013, September 22). Chain Reaction Petition Surpasses 1,000 Online Signatures. Santa Monica Mirror.
  27. ^ Bach, M. (2012, December). Landmarks Commission Report: Three Iconic New Landmarks. Santa Monica Conservancy News, 10(4): 6.

Further reading

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