In the heart of Chicago’s vibrant art scene, a profound sense of quietude has taken over one of the city’s premier contemporary exhibition spaces. Measuring an impressive 28 feet wide and seven feet tall, two monumental wooden relief sculptures serve as the visual and thematic anchors of Beyond Silence, a striking new exhibition currently on view at GRAY Chicago. Featuring the latest creations by renowned Catalan artist and sculptor Jaume Plensa, the exhibition transforms the gallery’s expansive open floor plan into an immersive landscape of introspection, architectural harmony, and monumental scale.
The massive, multi-paneled wooden works—titled Julia and Maria—were meticulously crafted as part of the artist’s recent body of work, from which the exhibition derives its name. With their rigid, angular steel and wood construction, these expansive pieces dramatically alter the spatial dynamics of the gallery. They introduce a structured architectural rhythm that purposefully contrasts with, yet beautifully complements, the subdued, organic contours of the human faces carved into their surfaces. Through this deliberate juxtaposition, a compelling dialogue arises, touching upon Plensa’s signature overarching motifs: the enduring centrality of the human figure, the innovative deployment of heavy industrial materials, and the careful manipulation of spatial perception.
Surrounding these monumental wooden reliefs, visitors encounter a series of dramatically elongated faces stretching a towering seven feet high. These striking portraits form a core part of Plensa’s ongoing Clouds series. In these works, the artist pairs cast iron—a rugged material traditionally associated with commercialism, heavy industry, and urban infrastructure—with the refined, smooth texture of granite stone. According to representatives at GRAY, this unlikely pairing produces an unexpected yet captivating sense of suspension and weightlessness, defying the immense physical mass of the mediums involved.
True to the hallmark of many of Plensa’s most celebrated sculptures, these oversized faces are depicted with their eyes closed. This artistic choice intentionally invites viewers to experience each monumental figure on an intimate, deeply personal level. Rather than gazing out at the audience, the subjects appear turned inward, evoking a profound quiet stillness. The exhibition space consequently transforms into a rare urban sanctuary, offering a dedicated atmosphere for silent contemplation, meditation, and a renewed appreciation of shared humanity through stillness.
The opening of Beyond Silence marks a significant milestone in the long-standing creative partnership between the artist and the gallery, representing Jaume Plensa’s tenth solo exhibition with GRAY. The Chicago presentation also strategically coincides with a companion exhibition titled Remote, Serene, Ethereal, which opens next week at the gallery’s New York City location. Art enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to experience both concurrent exhibitions, as each is scheduled to remain on public view through December 19.
For long-time admirers of Plensa’s public art in Chicago, the exhibition adds an indoor counterpart to his contributions to the city’s urban fabric. Visitors exploring the city can readily encounter his iconic and beloved public installation, Crown Fountain, situated just a short distance away in Millennium Park. Those unable to visit the physical galleries in Chicago or New York can follow the artist’s ongoing projects and studio updates through his official Instagram account, where he frequently shares insights into his sculptural practice.
