Technically, Chicago’s most notorious public sculpture is titled Cloud Gate. In reality, everyone just calls it The Bean. The piece, made by the Indian-born British artist Anish Kapoor, comprises 168 stainless steel plates, welded and finessed into a massive 33 by 66 by 42 feet sculpture. It’s biomorphic and reflective—perfect for selfies—and it doesn’t not look like a damn bean.
Today, Chicago lifer Jaff Graffner—member of Trouble In Mind recording artists The Hecks, Tension Pets, and, for those who go way back, the Milwaukee synth-punk unit Terrior Bute—asks a very interesting question: What if you lived inside of The Bean? It is a query posited in the form of a soaring synth-pop tune with a big chorus.
If living inside of the bean feels anything like “I’m Living (In The Bean)” sounds, I might want to give it a try. I can’t think of a better way to combat the harsh Chicago winter than to take shelter inside of that womb-like monstrosity. I would need to be able to pop out on occasion, though. I’m going to want to eat a hot dog!