Capitalism (sculpture) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capitalism |
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The sculpture in 2006
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| Artist | Larry Kirkland |
| Year | 1991 |
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| Dimensions | 4.9 m (16 ft) |
| Condition | "Treatment needed" (1993) |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| 45°31′54″N 122°39′22″W / 45.53177°N 122.65611°W | |
The sculpture Capitalism is a cool outdoor artwork created in 1991 by artist Larry Kirkland. You can find it in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. It's made from marble and concrete and also works as a fountain.
Discovering the 'Capitalism' Sculpture
This unique sculpture is named Capitalism. It's located in northeast Portland, right near the Lloyd Center. It was chosen after a big art competition when the Lloyd Center was being updated.
What Does the Sculpture Look Like?
The Capitalism sculpture shows fifty coins stacked up high. These coins sit on top of a special column called an Ionic column. The whole artwork is placed in the middle of a round fountain. This fountain has four water jets that spray water.
If you look closely at the edges of the coins, you'll see interesting messages. About half of the coins have words carved into them. These words are either serious or funny, and they all relate to capitalism and commerce. Capitalism is a system where people and businesses own most things and try to make money. Commerce just means buying and selling things.
The sculpture stands about 16 feet (4.9 m) tall, which is like a two-story building! The round fountain basin is about 20 feet (6.1 m) across.
Why Was This Art Made?
The sculpture is an allegorical sculpture. This means it uses symbols to represent bigger ideas. In this case, the coins and the name Capitalism remind us about money and how marketplaces work. It's a way to think about how we buy, sell, and trade things in our world.
In 1993, experts from the Smithsonian Institution checked on the sculpture. They wanted to make sure it was in good condition. The sculpture has even been featured in books and guides about public art in Portland. One guide said it's a good reminder of how money connects to places where people shop and trade.
