World's Largest Shuttlecocks

World's Largest Shuttlecocks

Kansas City Missouri

The World's Largest Shuttlecocks adorn the lawn of a typically austere Art Museum in Kansas City. In an attempt to bridge the gap between the perceived elitism of art museum and the general public, Claus Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen created this whimsical public artwork, transforming the site of the Nelson/Atkins Museum of Art. Four badminton birdies are scattered on the property, seemingly left by a couple of gentle giants in an afternoon of fun.

The plaque states:” Shuttlecocks - A sculpture installation in 4 parts. Aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, urethane paint, 1994. Gift of the Sosland Family” Unfortunately, the museum doesn't give much more than that, so you'll have to find out more about the public reaction, installation process, and ideas behind the artwork on your own.

I visited as part of the Eastern Tour in March of 2005. Oldenburg/Bruggen sculptures ended up being a sort of sub-theme along the way, as there are lots of World's Largest Things produced by this dynamic team across the country. They are also responsible for the Minneapolis Spoon and Cherry, Philadelphia's giant Clothespin made for the 1976 bicentennial, Cleveland Ohio's giant “Free” stamp, and many more.

For a detail of the sculpture itself, click HERE…

World's Largest Shuttlecocks Stats

Artists: Claus Oldenburg, Coosje van Bruggen
Installed 1994
Each birdie approximately 18' tall
Aluminum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, urethane paint

I'll post more as I get information.
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World's Largest Things
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