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New Art By Trump Tower Has Less Than Subtle Message For President

 New art this summer on the Riverwalk. 
New Riverwalk art
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DOWNTOWN — City officials installed a peculiarly placed sculpture this week in front of the Trump International Hotel & Tower at Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue: "Real Fake," the sculpture by Chicago artist Scott Reeder, simply says "Real Fake" in big bubble letters. 

Though the sculpture was made years before Donald Trump announced his plans to run for president, its placement Downtown provides an amusing juxtaposition for people passing by his namesake tower on the Chicago River. 

The sculpture's placement could be construed as a dig at Trump, who has notoriously decried negative press as "fake news" while simultaneously tweeting unfounded claims about his White House predecessor and other things. 

But the city won't say if it's trying to send a message. "Real Fake" is one of a handful of new art pieces being installed Downtown, mostly on the Riverwalk.

"The Chicago Riverwalk is being activated with several works of art this summer," Christine Carrino, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, said in an email. "Optimal locations for art were determined prior to the selection of the specific artworks."

"Real Fake" debuted in 2013 at Art Basel Miami, and is in Chicago on loan through October. Reeder did not return a message seeking comment.

Other new Riverwalk art announced Tuesday include "Deer," a sculpture of a giant deer by Tony Tasset; graffiti painting "Vejigante, Mask On" by Sam Kirk; and "Ballerinas," a multi-paneled painting by Tyrue “Slang” Jones. A series of seven banners by Candida Alvarez will go on the Riverwalk next month.

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