Client: City Of Chicago

Overview

Dedicated to Ida B. Wells, Richard Hunt’s “The Light of Truth ” is a 35ft tall silicon bronze monument. It is installed in the Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago where Wells-Barnett spent the majority of her life. This sculpture is an homage to the intrepid, prolific, and now iconic Black journalist and publisher. This is Chicago’s first monument of such scale dedicated to a Black woman.
By providing a space for community gathering and reflection on Ida B. Wells’ life and writings, Hunt’s centerpiece honors her legacy of advancing civil rights and seeking justice for Black Americans. An abstract figure standing on three columns, the monument is a twisting, open, torch-like configuration over levitating stair steps. At ground level each of the columns has a plaque featuring an etched image of Wells-Barnett as well as some of her famous quotes. Under the direction of and in collaboration with Richard Hunt and his studio, Vector completed the three towers as well as the volumetric elevated triangle, which comprise the lower half of the monument.

Goals

To celebrate the life, work, and legacy of Ida B. Wells in a neighborhood where she spent most of her life.