One sweltering Chicago summer, a peculiar fountain caused quite a stir in the East Ukrainian Village. It’s not your typical cherub-adorned basin. This one, the Shit Fountain at 1001 N. Wolcott Avenue, features a life-sized bronze sculpture of, well, dog poop. Installed in 2005 by artist Jerzy S. Kenar, the Shit Fountain isn’t some avant-garde prank. It’s a humorous yet pointed reminder to dog owners to clean up after their furry friends. Kenar, known for his religious sculptures and liturgical furnishings, took a decidedly different approach with this piece. He was inspired by the frequent, unwelcome deposits left in his flowerbeds by neighborhood dogs. The Shit Fountain, perched atop a three-foot pedestal of concrete and sandstone, serves as a quirky, Duchampian commentary on civic responsibility. Surprisingly, the Shit Fountain was met not with outrage, but with amusement and appreciation from residents. It quickly became a local curiosity. People even drink from it. Yes, you can take a sip from the Shit Fountain. Kenar, a dog lover himself, dedicated the Shit Fountain to all the dogs in the neighborhood. He even considered installing a plaque to formalize the dedication. So, the next time you’re in Chicago’s East Ukrainian Village, take a detour to 1001 N. Wolcott Avenue. Admire the Shit Fountain, chuckle at its audacity, and maybe, just maybe, remember to bring a doggy bag on your next walk.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to