New ‘Reach’ Sculpture by Coby Kennedy and Hank Willis Thomas Installed At Chicago O’Hare Airport

“O’Hare is the first thing millions of visitors see upon arriving in our city every year, and I’m proud to be able to use that first impression to highlight the work of so many talented artists,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “I look forward to the CDA’s continued partnership with DCASE as more art installations go up in the expanded and modernized Terminal 5 later this year.” 

“We are excited to partner with the Department of Aviation to bring the work of these talented artists to O’Hare,” said DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “Through these new works — and the 19 public art commissions featuring more than 20 artists coming to Terminal 5 — we hope that people feel welcomed, represented, and inspired to explore Chicago’s neighborhoods, communities, and culture. These projects present a unique opportunity to invest in artists and creative workers while providing visitors a dynamic and welcoming first impression of our city.” 

“REACH” consists of two arms, approximately 27 and 31 feet long, suspended between nine and 34 feet off the ground in the North Escalator Hall of the MMF. Viewers approaching the three-story hall through the tunnel from the public lobby will see a massive beckoning hand overhead. The experience of the installation will dynamically change for viewers coming from the upper levels of the parking structure, with the sculpture appearing at eye level from the top floors and towering overhead as they descend the escalators to pass through and underneath the iridescent arms. 

“As longtime collaborators we have had an incredible opportunity to create an artwork together and reframe a piece of public space, where most are in transit and passing through, for interconnectivity and togetherness. ‘REACH’ is a connection point and large-scale gesture that inspires us to come together,” said artists Coby Kennedy and Hank Willis Thomas.