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Behind the Walls

I Spy: December 2020

by Sally Bjork

From the January, 2021 issue

"People often say Ann Arborites have a big head," emails Dan Romanchik in response to December's feature. "Well, now we really do!"

"I spy the new UMMA 25-foot tall sculpture by Jaume Plensa, Behind the Walls, signifying deep reflection" says Cathy Strachan. "How appropriate ...!" Janine Shahinian points out that the sculpture is not only "an expression of how we feel about 2020 but a commemoration of where we've spent most of it."

When Bob Williams first saw the giant head with hands covering its eyes, "I cried 'that must be every Ann Arborite's reaction to all the events this year!'" A. J. Kydd jokes that it "needs a mask."

Behind the Walls "made its debut at Rockefeller Center in 2019," writes Sonia Zawacki. The New York Times "called it the most Instagrammed and photographed work" at that festival, shares David Karl. It replaces the large red abstract sculpture "Shang, that was bought [by a private collector] in October after more than 10 years in that location," writes John McCauley. "I hadn't realized the previous sculpture was on loan until I read it was gone!" says Jason Kahn. "I will miss the Mark di Suvero sculpture," says Allison Smith, "but I definitely like the new one!"

We received a near-record sixty-nine entries in December. Our random drawing winner is Rae Ruskin, who will enjoy a $25 gift certificate to Zingerman's. To enter this month's contest, use the image and clue above and send your answer to the address below. And check out the first book-length I Spy collection, available now at AnnArborObserver.com/books.