Misplaced Pages

Statue of Michael Jordan: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from[REDACTED] with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 01:08, 19 April 2015 edit2602:304:cebf:8590:808e:f472:e137:ee2e (talk) Undid revision 656218297 by TonyTheTiger (talk)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 20:00, 20 November 2024 edit undoHey man im josh (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Administrators350,986 editsm Genfix(es), typo(s) fixed: November 1, 1994 → November 1, 1994,Tag: AWB 
(109 intermediate revisions by 56 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Public sculpture in Chicago}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{good article}} {{good article}}
{{Infobox Sculpture {{Infobox artwork
| image = ] | title = Statue of Michael Jordan
| title = The Spirit | italic title = no
| painting_alignment =
⚫ | artist = ] and ]
| year = 1994 | other_language_1 =
| other_title_1 = The Spirit
| type = Bronze on black ]
| other_language_2 =
⚫ | height_imperial = 12
| other_title_2 = Michael Jordan's Spirit
| imperial_unit = ft
| wikidata =
| metric_unit = m
| image = File:2017 NHL Entry Draft (35346009152).jpg
⚫ | city = ]
| image_upright = 0.9
| museum = ]
| alt =
| italic title=no
| caption = The statue in the "atrium" in 2017)
| artist = {{Flatlist|
* Omri
⚫ * ]
}} }}
| year = {{start date|1994}}
⚫ The '''Michael Jordan statue''', officially known as '''''The Spirit''''' (and sometimes referred to as '''''Michael Jordan's Spirit'''''), is a bronze sculpture by ] and ] outside the ] in Chicago. The sculpture was originally commissioned after Jordan's initial retirement following three consecutive NBA championships and unveiled prior to the Bulls taking residence in their new home stadium the following year. Depicting ] member ] and unveiled on November 1, 1994, the {{convert|12|ft|m|1|adj=on}} sculpture stands atop a {{convert|5|ft|m|2|adj=on}} ] base. Although not critically well received, the statue has established its own legacy as a meeting place for fans at subsequent Bulls championships and as a rallying point for ] fans during their prideful times.
| completion_date = <!-- For a more specific date (post-1583): {{start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}} -->
| catalogue =
| medium = {{Flatlist|
* ]
* ] (base)
}}
| movement =
| subject =
| height_metric =
| width_metric =
| length_metric =
| diameter_metric =
⚫ | height_imperial = 12
| width_imperial =
| length_imperial =
| diameter_imperial =
| dimensions =
| dimensions_ref =
| metric_unit = m <!-- Note: this parameter must either use the value given or not be included -->
| imperial_unit = ft <!-- Note: this parameter must either use the value given or not be included -->
| weight =
| designation =
| condition =
| museum =
⚫ | city = ], ]
| coordinates = {{coord|41.88070|-87.67307|format=dms|type:landmark_region:US-IL|display=inline,title}}
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 13
| owner =
| accession =
| preceded_by = <!-- preceding work by the same artist -->
| followed_by = <!-- next work by the same artist -->
| module =
| website = <!-- Official webpage/site only: {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}
{{Michael Jordan series}}
⚫ The '''statue of Michael Jordan''', also known as '''''The Spirit''''' (and sometimes referred to as '''''Michael Jordan's Spirit'''''), is a bronze sculpture by Omri Amrany and ] that has been located inside the ] in the ] ] of Chicago since March 1, 2017. The sculpture was originally commissioned after Jordan's initial retirement following three consecutive NBA championships and unveiled prior to the Bulls taking residence in their new home stadium the following year. Depicting ] member ] and unveiled outside the United Center on November 1, 1994, the {{convert|12|ft|m|1|adj=on}} sculpture stands atop a {{convert|5|ft|m|2|adj=on}} ] base. Although not critically well received, the statue has established its own legacy as a meeting place for fans at subsequent Bulls championships and as a rallying point for ] fans.


==History== ==History==

===Background=== ===Background===
Michael Jordan had spent his entire career with the Chicago Bulls since being drafted in the ] by the team with the third overall selection. Eventually, he led the Bulls to three consecutive championships in the ], ] and ]. During each of these championship seasons he was an ], ], ] first team selection, ] first team selection, and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080206100650/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/|accessdate=2011-09-18|archivedate=2008-02-06|title=Michael Jordan – 23|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060707083040/http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html|accessdate=2011-09-18|archivedate=2006-07-07|title=Full Name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan|work=NBA Encyclopedia Playoff Edition|publisher=]}}</ref> Michael Jordan had spent his entire career with the Chicago Bulls since being drafted in the ] by the team with the third overall selection. Eventually, he led the Bulls to three consecutive championships in the ], ] and ]. During each of these championship seasons he was an ], ], ] first team selection, ] first team selection, and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206100650/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/michael_jordan/|access-date=September 18, 2011|archive-date=February 6, 2008|title=Michael Jordan – 23|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060707083040/http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html|access-date=September 18, 2011|archive-date=July 7, 2006|title=Full Name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan|encyclopedia=NBA Encyclopedia Playoff Edition|publisher=]}}</ref>


After Jordan retired following the ], ] owner ] sought a sculptor to honor Jordan and requested that Chicago Bulls Vice President Steve Schanwald seek proposals from artists.<ref name=MJS/> Twelve artists made proposals.<ref name=TsbMJS>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/story-behind-michael-jordans-spirit.html|title=The story behind Michael Jordan's Spirit|accessdate=2011-09-03|publisher=]|author=Fluck, Adam}}</ref> In January 1994, Schanwald hired Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of ], who erected a statue at the Bulls' new home for the ], the ].<ref name=MJS>{{cite web|url=http://www.unitedcenter.com/unitedcenter/MichaelJordanStatue.asp|title=Michael Jordan Statue|accessdate=2011-09-03|publisher=]}}</ref> Until 1994 when they both moved, the Bulls and Blackhawks had played at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1285.html|title=United Center|accessdate=2011-09-18|work=]|author=Greene, Daniel|publisher=]/]|year=2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/268.html|title=Chicago Stadium|accessdate=2011-09-18|work=]|author=Hayner, Donald A.|publisher=]/]|year=2005}}</ref> After Jordan retired following the ], ] owner ] sought a sculptor to honor Jordan and requested that Chicago Bulls Vice President Steve Schanwald seek proposals from artists.<ref name=MJS/> Twelve artists made proposals.<ref name=TsbMJS>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/bulls/story-behind-michael-jordans-spirit.html|title=The story behind Michael Jordan's Spirit|access-date=September 3, 2011|work=]|author=Fluck, Adam}}</ref> In January 1994, Schanwald hired Omri and ] of ], who erected a statue at the Bulls' new home for the ], the ].<ref name=MJS>{{cite web|url=http://www.unitedcenter.com/unitedcenter/MichaelJordanStatue.asp|title=Michael Jordan Statue|access-date=September 3, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> Until 1994 when they both moved, the Bulls and Blackhawks had played at ].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1285.html|title=United Center|access-date=September 18, 2011|encyclopedia=]|author=Greene, Daniel|publisher=]/]|year=2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/268.html|title=Chicago Stadium|access-date=September 18, 2011|encyclopedia=]|author=Hayner, Donald A.|publisher=]/]|year=2005}}</ref>


===Creation and installation=== ===Creation and installation===
] ]
While the sculpture was a work in progress, the location of the sculptor's rented studio was kept secret from the public, while the husband-and-wife sculptor team and three assistants spent four months working for sixteen hours every day of the week.<ref name=HS>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-27/features/9411270183_1_highland-park-north-shore-michael-jordan|title=High-flying Sculptors: Meet The Couple Who Immortalized Michael Jordan In Bronze|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1994-11-27|work=]|author=Revsine, Barbara}}</ref> The process involved two sittings with Jordan for measurements and photos, including one in which the clay version had to be driven from Chicago to Nashville, to ensure the accuracy of the clay likeness.<ref name=TsbMJS/> The {{convert|2000|lbs|kg|1|adj=on}} sculpture, which is {{convert|12|ft|m|1}} tall, rests on a 5-foot high black granite base that has an inscription reading "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." The base also includes a list of his accomplishments. The bronze statue used ].<ref name=MJS/> The sculpture has led to a lot of similar work for the couple.<ref name=TsbMJS/> While the sculpture was a work in progress, the location of the sculptor's rented studio was kept secret from the rest of the world, while the husband-and-wife sculptor team and three assistants spent four months working for sixteen hours every day of the week.<ref name=HS>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/27/high-flying-sculptors/|title=High-flying Sculptors: Meet The Couple Who Immortalized Michael Jordan In Bronze|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=November 27, 1994|work=]|author=Revsine, Barbara}}</ref> The process involved two sittings with Jordan for measurements and photos, including one in which the clay version had to be driven from Chicago to Nashville, to ensure the accuracy of the clay likeness.<ref name=TsbMJS/> The {{convert|2000|lbs|kg|adj=on}} sculpture, which is {{convert|12|ft|m|1}} tall, rests on a 5-foot high black granite base that has an inscription reading "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." The base also includes a list of his accomplishments. The bronze statue used ].<ref name=MJS/> The sculpture has led to a lot of similar work for the couple.<ref name=TsbMJS/>


The sculpture's official address is United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/easy/6285880-423/may-i-help-you.html|title=Share the wealth: Help tourists find Chicago’s offerings|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2011-07-12|work=]|author=Thorn Clark, Sandy}}</ref> Officially named ''The Spirit'',<ref name=JTLTL/> it is located outside of Gate 4.<ref name=C1C>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/michaeljordan/chi-michael-jordan-chicago-bulls-chapter-10,0,7243999.story|title=Chapter 10: Chicago|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2009-09-10|work=]|author=Johnson, K. C.}}</ref> The United Center opened on August 18, 1994.<ref name=C1C/> The exact pose of Jordan in midflight is left for artistic interpretation, but speculations include his 63-point performance against Boston in the ], the ] slam-dunk contest at ] and his ] logo that has been on Jordan branded Nike products since the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-12-09/sports/9412090161_1_pose-salaam-national-anthem|title=Sculptors Clear The Air On Pose Of Jordan Statue|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1994-12-09|work=]|author=Armour, Terry}}</ref> Jordan is depicted doing a right-handed ] over two opponents while jumping right-to-left in the eastward facing statue giving him a southbound trajectory.<ref name=JTLTL>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-02/sports/9411020285_1_sculpture-clay-model-girls-club|title=Jordan Truly Larger Than Life: Sculpture Shows Spirit Of The Man, But Little More|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1994-11-02|work=]|author=Artner, Alan G.}}</ref> Prior to the beginning of each basketball season, the sculpture gets touched up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/icing/adam_burish/|title=Blackhawks' Bolland, Eager out Thursday at Red Wings|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2009-10-07|work=]|author=Kuc, Chris}}</ref> The sculpture's official address is United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/easy/6285880-423/may-i-help-you.html|title=Share the wealth: Help tourists find Chicago's offerings|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=July 12, 2011|work=]|author=Thorn Clark, Sandy}}</ref> Officially named ''The Spirit'',<ref name=JTLTL/> it is located inside the United Center (Gate 4).<ref name=C1C>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/michaeljordan/chi-michael-jordan-chicago-bulls-chapter-10,0,7243999.story|title=Chapter 10: Chicago|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=September 10, 2009|work=]|author=Johnson, K. C.}}</ref> The United Center opened on August 18, 1994.<ref name=C1C/> The exact pose of Jordan in midflight is left for artistic interpretation, but speculations include his 63-point performance against Boston in the ], the ] slam-dunk contest at ] and his ] logo that has been on Jordan branded Nike products since the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/12/09/sculptors-clear-the-air-on-pose-of-jordan-statue/|title=Sculptors Clear The Air On Pose Of Jordan Statue|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=December 9, 1994|work=]|author=Armour, Terry}}</ref> Jordan is depicted doing a right-handed ] over two opponents while jumping right-to-left in the eastward facing statue giving him a southbound trajectory.<ref name=JTLTL>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/02/jordan-truly-larger-than-life/|title=Jordan Truly Larger Than Life: Sculpture Shows Spirit Of The Man, But Little More|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=November 2, 1994|work=]|author=Artner, Alan G.}}</ref> Prior to the beginning of each basketball season, the sculpture gets touched up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/icing/adam_burish/|title=Blackhawks' Bolland, Eager out Thursday at Red Wings|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=October 7, 2009|work=]|author=Kuc, Chris|archive-date=January 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119140550/http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/icing/adam_burish/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The sculpture was installed on October 31<ref name=TsbMJS/> and unveiled on November 1, 1994 in front of a national audience by Jordan, Reinsdorf and ]. Jordan's jersey number was retired during the ceremony.<ref name=MJS/> Only Jordan's knee is attached to the base via a triple-steel post.<ref name=MJS/><ref name=TsbMJS/> A stationary ] was almost part of the sculpture too.<ref name=TsbMJS/> The sculpture, which is hollow, was designed to withstand the natural elements.<ref name=TsbMJS/> After his second retirement following the ], the following quote from the 1992 ] '']'' was added to the base: "At that moment I knew, surely and clearly, that I was witnessing perfection. He stood before us, suspended above the earth, free from all its laws like a work of art, and I knew, just as surely and clearly, that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last."<ref name=MJS/> The sculpture was installed on October 31<ref name=TsbMJS/> and unveiled on November 1, 1994, in front of a national audience by Jordan, Reinsdorf and ]. Jordan's jersey number was retired during the ceremony.<ref name=MJS/> Only Jordan's knee is attached to the base via a triple-steel post.<ref name=MJS/><ref name=TsbMJS/> A stationary ] was almost part of the sculpture too.<ref name=TsbMJS/> The sculpture, which is hollow, was designed to withstand the natural elements.<ref name=TsbMJS/> After his second retirement following the ], the following quote from the 1992 ] '']'' was added to the base: "At that moment I knew, surely and clearly, that I was witnessing perfection. He stood before us, suspended above the earth, free from all its laws like a work of art, and I knew, just as surely and clearly, that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last."<ref name=MJS/>

===Relocation===
In 2012 and 2014, various plans were floated for the parking lot east of the United Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120428/ISSUE01/304289963/united-center-owners-planning-retail-development-next-to-arena|title=United Center plans retail space: Restaurants and bars would replace parking lot east of the arena|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=April 28, 2012|work=]|author=Maidenberg, Micah}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141001/CRED03/140939974/blackhawks-bulls-owners-mull-offices-next-to-united-center|title=Blackhawks, Bulls owners mull office project next to United Center|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=October 1, 2014|work=]|author=Maidenberg, Micah}}</ref> On January 22, 2015, the Bulls announced plans to move the statue to a planned atrium, while statues of ] and ] were to remain outside the United Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150122/near-west-side/jordan-statue-moving-inside-new-united-center-building/|title=Jordan Statue Moving Inside New United Center Building|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=January 22, 2015|publisher=]|author=Lulay, Stephanie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075651/https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150122/near-west-side/jordan-statue-moving-inside-new-united-center-building/|archive-date=November 28, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Construction commenced in mid-2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chicago.curbed.com/2016/3/23/11293444/chicago-united-center-annex-construction|title=Work Continues on 190,000-Square-Foot United Center Addition|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=March 23, 2016|website=]|author=Koziarz, Jay}}</ref> On March 1, 2017, there was a ceremonial celebration for the opening of the {{convert|190000|sqft|sqm|adj=on}} United Center east addition. The statue can be found inside the atrium between the new addition and the original United Center, which is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and later on event days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-united-center-addition-michael-jordan-spt-0302-20170301-story.html|title=Michael Jordan statue centerpiece of United Center's East addition|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=March 1, 2017|work=]|author=Kuc, Chris}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170301/BLOGS04/170309984/photos-inside-united-center-s-new-east-addition|title=Photos: Inside United Center's new east addition|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=March 1, 2017|work=]|author=Ecker, Danny}}</ref>


==Reception and legacy== ==Reception and legacy==
Some complain that the sculpture does not depict Jordan's well-known open-mouthed tongue wag.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-07/news/9411070187_1_statue-tongue-larry-king|title=Even In Bronze, Jordan Spirit Is A Real Magnet|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1994-11-07|work=]|author=Rhodes, Steve}}</ref> '']'' art critic Alan G. Artner says the inscription at the base that reads "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." refers only to the subject and not the sculpture.<ref name=JTLTL/> Following the Bulls' second three-peat after Jordan's return, the statue became a sports mecca for fans to gather and take photographs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/14/sports/sports-of-the-times-sensing-something-special-a-celebration-is-delayed.html|title=Sports of The Times; Sensing Something Special, a Celebration Is Delayed|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1998-06-04|work=]|author=Araton, Harvey}}</ref> '']'' listed the sculpture as one of the ten greatest sports photo opportunities in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1998/aug/07/sports/sp-10992|title=Shaq's Touch Better Online Than at Line|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1998-08-07|work=]|author=Norwood, Robyn}}</ref> Some complain that the sculpture does not depict Jordan's well-known open-mouthed tongue wag.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/07/even-in-bronze-jordan-spirit-is-a-real-magnet/|title=Even In Bronze, Jordan Spirit Is A Real Magnet|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=November 7, 1994|work=]|author=Rhodes, Steve}}</ref> '']'' art critic Alan G. Artner says the inscription at the base that reads "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." refers only to the subject and not the sculpture.<ref name=JTLTL/> Following the Bulls' second three-peat after Jordan's return, the statue became a sports mecca for fans to gather and take photographs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/14/sports/sports-of-the-times-sensing-something-special-a-celebration-is-delayed.html|title=Sports of The Times; Sensing Something Special, a Celebration Is Delayed|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=June 4, 1998|work=]|author=Araton, Harvey}}</ref> '']'' listed the sculpture as one of the ten greatest sports photo opportunities in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-aug-07-sp-10992-story.html|title=Shaq's Touch Better Online Than at Line|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=August 7, 1998|work=]|author=Norwood, Robyn}}</ref>

⚫ In 1994, 55 (originally planned for 123 pieces) {{convert|28|in|cm|1|adj=on}} bronze ]s of the sculpture on {{convert|6|in|cm|1|adj=on}} granite bases were produced by the Rotblatt-Amranys and sold at $10,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|10000|1995}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US}} each as a fundraiser for the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club.<ref name=HS/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/05/02/michael-on-a-mantel-for-10-grand-hes-yours/|title=Michael On A Mantel? For 10 Grand, He's Yours|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=May 2, 1995|work=]|author=Armour, Terry}}</ref> The ] 2-hour broadcast of the original ceremony had also been in part a fundraiser for the ], but some had thought it was overdone and ungraceful.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/08/bye-bye-no-23-buzz-went-to-see/|title=Bye-bye, No. 23: Buzz went to see Michael Jordan's Chicago...|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=November 8, 1994|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1994/11/02/jordan-recalled-extremely-human-hugely-gifted/|title=Jordan Recalled: Extremely Human, Hugely Gifted|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=November 2, 1994|work=]|author=Smith, Sam}}</ref>


⚫ At times, the statue has been adorned with various ] player jerseys. When ]'s jersey was retired on March 19, 1998, fans put his jersey on the statue, but it was removed one hour later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/03/20/bulls-enforce-dress-code-on-jordan-statue/|title=Bulls Enforce Dress Code On Jordan Statue|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=May 20, 1998|work=]|author=Mitchell, Fred}}</ref> During the ], United Center personnel added an ice ], a ] jersey of ] ] and Reebok ]s to the statue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/28/the-michael-jordan-statue-toews-ered/|title=The Michael Jordan Statue, Toews-ered|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=May 28, 2010|work=]|author=Perez, A. J.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008112620/http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/28/the-michael-jordan-statue-toews-ered/|archive-date=October 8, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/05/michael-jordan-statue-now-looks-like-ice-jordan/1|title=Michael Jordan statue now looks like "Ice Jordan"|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=May 28, 2010|work=]|author=Weir, Tom}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/jordan-blackhawks-united-center-95139779.html|title=Air Toews|access-date=September 3, 2001|date=May 29, 2010|work=NBC Chicago}}</ref> Within 48 hours, the Reebok logos on the ice skates had been covered by Nike stickers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Even-Michael-Jordan-s-statue-is-a-company-man?urn=nba-245223|title=Even Michael Jordan's statue is a company man|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=June 2, 2010|work=]|author=Kerby, Trey}}</ref> When Chicagoan ] welcomed the Blackhawks to the ] as ], he made mention of the jersey being placed on the Jordan statue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2011/03/transcript_pres_obama_honors_t.html|title=Transcript: Pres. Obama honors the Blackhawks at White House|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=March 11, 2011|work=]|author=Jahns, Adam L.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928121259/http://blogs.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2011/03/transcript_pres_obama_honors_t.html|archive-date=September 28, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In May 2011, there was an announcement the ]rs ] and ] would have statues placed outside of the United Center near Jordan's sometime early during the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hockey/3233037-419/hull-mikita-statues-hawks-blackhawks.html|title=Mikita, Hull to get statues outside UC|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=January 9, 2011|work=]}}</ref>
⚫ In 1995, 123 {{convert|28|in|cm|1|adj=on}} bronze ]s of the sculpture on {{convert|6|in|cm|1|adj=on}} granite bases were produced by the Rotblatt-Amranys and sold at $10,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|10000|1995}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US}} each as a fundraiser for the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club.<ref name=HS/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-05-02/sports/9505020026_1_replicas-berto-center-michael-mania|title=Michael On A Mantel? For 10 Grand, He's Yours|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1995-05-02|work=]|author=Armour, Terry}}</ref> The ] 2-hour broadcast of the original ceremony had also been in part a fundraiser for the ], but some had thought it was overdone and ungraceful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-08/features/9411080073_1_swamp-thing-bobby-knight-fans|title=Bye-bye, No. 23: Buzz went to see Michael Jordan's Chicago...|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1994-11-08|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1994-11-02/sports/9411020284_1_scottie-pippen-remember-bulls|title=Jordan Recalled: Extremely Human, Hugely Gifted|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1994-11-02|work=]|author=Smith, Sam}}</ref>


==See also==
⚫ At times, the statue has been adorned with various ] player jerseys. When ]'s jersey was retired on March 19, 1998, fans put his jersey on the statue, but it was removed one hour later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-03-20/sports/9803200344_1_bulls-management-nba-bulls-united-center|title=Bulls Enforce Dress Code On Jordan Statue|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=1998-05-20|work=]|author=Mitchell, Fred}}</ref> During the ], United Center personnel added an ice ], a ] jersey of ] ] and Reebok ]s to the statue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/28/the-michael-jordan-statue-toews-ered/|title=The Michael Jordan Statue, Toews-ered|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2010-05-28|work=]|author=Perez, A. J.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/05/michael-jordan-statue-now-looks-like-ice-jordan/1|title=Michael Jordan statue now looks like "Ice Jordan"|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2010-05-28|work=]|author=Weir, Tom}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/jordan-blackhawks-united-center-95139779.html|title=Air Toews|accessdate=2001-09-03|date=2010-05-29|work=NBC Chicago}}</ref> Within 48 hours, the Reebok logos on the ice skates had been covered by Nike stickers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Even-Michael-Jordan-s-statue-is-a-company-man?urn=nba-245223|title=Even Michael Jordan's statue is a company man|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2010-06-02|work=]|author=Kerby, Trey}}</ref> When Chicagoan ] welcomed the Blackhawks to the ] as ], he made mention of the jersey being placed on the Jordan statue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/blackhawks/2011/03/transcript_pres_obama_honors_t.html|title=Transcript: Pres. Obama honors the Blackhawks at White House|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2011-03-11|work=]|author=Jahns, Adam L.}}</ref> In May 2011, there was an announcement the ]rs ] and ] would have statues placed outside of the United Center near Jordan's sometime early during the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hockey/3233037-419/hull-mikita-statues-hawks-blackhawks.html|title=Mikita, Hull to get statues outside UC|accessdate=2011-09-03|date=2011-01-09|work=]}}</ref>
* ]


==Notes== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist}}
⚫ {{Portal bar|National Basketball Association|Basketball|Chicago|Illinois|Visual arts}}


{{Michael Jordan}}
{{coord missing|Illinois}}
{{Chicago Bulls}}
{{Public art in Chicago}}
{{Statues of NBA figures}}
{{NBA Arena Statues}}
⚫ {{Portal bar|Chicago|Illinois|Sports|Visual arts}}


⚫ ]
] ]
] ]
⚫ ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 20:00, 20 November 2024

Public sculpture in Chicago

Statue of Michael Jordan
The Spirit, Michael Jordan's Spirit
The statue in the "atrium" in 2017)
Artist
Year1994 (1994)
Medium
Dimensions3.7 m (12 ft)
LocationChicago, Illinois, United States
Coordinates41°52′51″N 87°40′23″W / 41.88070°N 87.67307°W / 41.88070; -87.67307
This article is part of
a series aboutMichael Jordan
Career
Family
Books
Filmography
Video games
Related
Michael Jordan's signature

The statue of Michael Jordan, also known as The Spirit (and sometimes referred to as Michael Jordan's Spirit), is a bronze sculpture by Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany that has been located inside the United Center in the Near West Side community area of Chicago since March 1, 2017. The sculpture was originally commissioned after Jordan's initial retirement following three consecutive NBA championships and unveiled prior to the Bulls taking residence in their new home stadium the following year. Depicting Basketball Hall of Fame member Michael Jordan and unveiled outside the United Center on November 1, 1994, the 12-foot (3.7 m) sculpture stands atop a 5-foot (1.52 m) black granite base. Although not critically well received, the statue has established its own legacy as a meeting place for fans at subsequent Bulls championships and as a rallying point for Chicago Blackhawks fans.

History

Background

Michael Jordan had spent his entire career with the Chicago Bulls since being drafted in the 1984 NBA draft by the team with the third overall selection. Eventually, he led the Bulls to three consecutive championships in the 1991, 1992 and 1993 NBA Finals. During each of these championship seasons he was an NBA All-Star, NBA scoring champion, All-NBA Team first team selection, NBA All-Defensive Team first team selection, and the NBA Finals MVP.

After Jordan retired following the 1992–93 NBA season, Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf sought a sculptor to honor Jordan and requested that Chicago Bulls Vice President Steve Schanwald seek proposals from artists. Twelve artists made proposals. In January 1994, Schanwald hired Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany of Highland Park, Illinois, who erected a statue at the Bulls' new home for the 1994–95 NBA season, the United Center. Until 1994 when they both moved, the Bulls and Blackhawks had played at Chicago Stadium.

Creation and installation

Base of statue (right side) at the United Center chronicling Jordan's career achievements.

While the sculpture was a work in progress, the location of the sculptor's rented studio was kept secret from the rest of the world, while the husband-and-wife sculptor team and three assistants spent four months working for sixteen hours every day of the week. The process involved two sittings with Jordan for measurements and photos, including one in which the clay version had to be driven from Chicago to Nashville, to ensure the accuracy of the clay likeness. The 2,000-pound (910 kg) sculpture, which is 12 feet (3.7 m) tall, rests on a 5-foot high black granite base that has an inscription reading "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." The base also includes a list of his accomplishments. The bronze statue used lost-wax casting. The sculpture has led to a lot of similar work for the couple.

The sculpture's official address is United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street. Officially named The Spirit, it is located inside the United Center (Gate 4). The United Center opened on August 18, 1994. The exact pose of Jordan in midflight is left for artistic interpretation, but speculations include his 63-point performance against Boston in the 1986 NBA Playoffs, the 1988 NBA All-Star Game slam-dunk contest at Chicago Stadium and his jumpman logo that has been on Jordan branded Nike products since the 1980s. Jordan is depicted doing a right-handed slam dunk over two opponents while jumping right-to-left in the eastward facing statue giving him a southbound trajectory. Prior to the beginning of each basketball season, the sculpture gets touched up.

The sculpture was installed on October 31 and unveiled on November 1, 1994, in front of a national audience by Jordan, Reinsdorf and Larry King. Jordan's jersey number was retired during the ceremony. Only Jordan's knee is attached to the base via a triple-steel post. A stationary basketball hoop was almost part of the sculpture too. The sculpture, which is hollow, was designed to withstand the natural elements. After his second retirement following the 1997–98 NBA season, the following quote from the 1992 film A River Runs Through It was added to the base: "At that moment I knew, surely and clearly, that I was witnessing perfection. He stood before us, suspended above the earth, free from all its laws like a work of art, and I knew, just as surely and clearly, that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last."

Relocation

In 2012 and 2014, various plans were floated for the parking lot east of the United Center. On January 22, 2015, the Bulls announced plans to move the statue to a planned atrium, while statues of Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita were to remain outside the United Center. Construction commenced in mid-2015. On March 1, 2017, there was a ceremonial celebration for the opening of the 190,000-square-foot (18,000 m) United Center east addition. The statue can be found inside the atrium between the new addition and the original United Center, which is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and later on event days.

Reception and legacy

Some complain that the sculpture does not depict Jordan's well-known open-mouthed tongue wag. Chicago Tribune art critic Alan G. Artner says the inscription at the base that reads "The best there ever was. The best there ever will be." refers only to the subject and not the sculpture. Following the Bulls' second three-peat after Jordan's return, the statue became a sports mecca for fans to gather and take photographs. ESPN The Magazine listed the sculpture as one of the ten greatest sports photo opportunities in 1998.

In 1994, 55 (originally planned for 123 pieces) 28-inch (71.1 cm) bronze maquettes of the sculpture on 6-inch (15.2 cm) granite bases were produced by the Rotblatt-Amranys and sold at $10,000 ($19,996 in 2023 dollars) each as a fundraiser for the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club. The TNT 2-hour broadcast of the original ceremony had also been in part a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club, but some had thought it was overdone and ungraceful.

At times, the statue has been adorned with various Chicago Blackhawks player jerseys. When Denis Savard's jersey was retired on March 19, 1998, fans put his jersey on the statue, but it was removed one hour later. During the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, United Center personnel added an ice hockey helmet, a Reebok jersey of captain Jonathan Toews and Reebok ice skates to the statue. Within 48 hours, the Reebok logos on the ice skates had been covered by Nike stickers. When Chicagoan Barack Obama welcomed the Blackhawks to the White House as President of the United States, he made mention of the jersey being placed on the Jordan statue. In May 2011, there was an announcement the Hockey Hall of Famers Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull would have statues placed outside of the United Center near Jordan's sometime early during the 2011–12 NHL season.

See also

References

  1. "Michael Jordan – 23". NBA.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  2. "Full Name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan". NBA Encyclopedia Playoff Edition. NBA.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2006. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  3. ^ "Michael Jordan Statue". United Center. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  4. ^ Fluck, Adam. "The story behind Michael Jordan's Spirit". NBA.com. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  5. Greene, Daniel (2005). "United Center". Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society/Newberry Library. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  6. Hayner, Donald A. (2005). "Chicago Stadium". Encyclopedia of Chicago. Chicago Historical Society/Newberry Library. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  7. ^ Revsine, Barbara (November 27, 1994). "High-flying Sculptors: Meet The Couple Who Immortalized Michael Jordan In Bronze". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  8. Thorn Clark, Sandy (July 12, 2011). "Share the wealth: Help tourists find Chicago's offerings". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  9. ^ Artner, Alan G. (November 2, 1994). "Jordan Truly Larger Than Life: Sculpture Shows Spirit Of The Man, But Little More". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  10. ^ Johnson, K. C. (September 10, 2009). "Chapter 10: Chicago". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  11. Armour, Terry (December 9, 1994). "Sculptors Clear The Air On Pose Of Jordan Statue". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  12. Kuc, Chris (October 7, 2009). "Blackhawks' Bolland, Eager out Thursday at Red Wings". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on January 19, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  13. Maidenberg, Micah (April 28, 2012). "United Center plans retail space: Restaurants and bars would replace parking lot east of the arena". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  14. Maidenberg, Micah (October 1, 2014). "Blackhawks, Bulls owners mull office project next to United Center". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  15. Lulay, Stephanie (January 22, 2015). "Jordan Statue Moving Inside New United Center Building". DNA info. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  16. Koziarz, Jay (March 23, 2016). "Work Continues on 190,000-Square-Foot United Center Addition". Curbed.com. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  17. Kuc, Chris (March 1, 2017). "Michael Jordan statue centerpiece of United Center's East addition". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  18. Ecker, Danny (March 1, 2017). "Photos: Inside United Center's new east addition". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  19. Rhodes, Steve (November 7, 1994). "Even In Bronze, Jordan Spirit Is A Real Magnet". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  20. Araton, Harvey (June 4, 1998). "Sports of The Times; Sensing Something Special, a Celebration Is Delayed". The New York Times. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  21. Norwood, Robyn (August 7, 1998). "Shaq's Touch Better Online Than at Line". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  22. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  23. Armour, Terry (May 2, 1995). "Michael On A Mantel? For 10 Grand, He's Yours". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  24. "Bye-bye, No. 23: Buzz went to see Michael Jordan's Chicago..." Chicago Tribune. November 8, 1994. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  25. Smith, Sam (November 2, 1994). "Jordan Recalled: Extremely Human, Hugely Gifted". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  26. Mitchell, Fred (May 20, 1998). "Bulls Enforce Dress Code On Jordan Statue". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  27. Perez, A. J. (May 28, 2010). "The Michael Jordan Statue, Toews-ered". AOL News. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  28. Weir, Tom (May 28, 2010). "Michael Jordan statue now looks like "Ice Jordan"". USA Today. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  29. "Air Toews". NBC Chicago. May 29, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2001.
  30. Kerby, Trey (June 2, 2010). "Even Michael Jordan's statue is a company man". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  31. Jahns, Adam L. (March 11, 2011). "Transcript: Pres. Obama honors the Blackhawks at White House". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  32. "Mikita, Hull to get statues outside UC". Chicago Sun-Times. January 9, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
Michael Jordan
Achievements
Main
Family
Books
Film and television
Video games
Other
Category
Chicago Bulls
Franchise
Arenas
Personnel
Owner(s)
Jerry Reinsdorf
President
Michael Reinsdorf
General manager
Marc Eversley
Head coach
Billy Donovan
G League affiliate
Retired numbers
NBA championships
Rivalries
Culture and lore
Public art in Chicago
Works
Portrait
sculptures
Related
Key: † No longer extant or on public display
Statues of NBA figures
NBA arena
Other
Statues at NBA arenas
Portals: Categories:
Statue of Michael Jordan: Difference between revisions Add topic