Hutch

[H.C. Westermann, Hutch the One Armed Astro-Turf Man with a Defense (1976). AstroTurf, pine, aspen, ash, chestnut, and saplings. Photograph by me.]

As seen in the Art Institute of Chicago exhibition H. C. Westermann: Anchor Clanker, running through May 17, 2026. The museum placard reads:

Westermann's gripe with the shoddy workmanship that followed a rise in 1970s consumer culture is represented in this sculpture by AstroTurf, originally invented to cover the field of the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. The artificial product eliminated the need to meticulously plant, water, and mow grass. This convenience created a loss of proximity to nature and care — an afront to Westermann, an environmentalist who valued craftsmanship and attention to detail. Hutch the One Armed Astro-Turf Man with a Defense, whose arm has seemingly broken off, signals a condemnation of the manufacturers creating objects that do not last.

I think I see more comedy than condemnation in this work, which reminds me of Monty Python’s Black Knight. The Westermann exhibition is housed in a narrow alcove above the museum library. So easy to overlook, and I’m glad we didn’t.

[I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t add that this exhibit marks the first time I’ve spotted a misspelled word in a museum placard. Did you catch it?]