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?