Art finds a way.
November 6, 2014 11:53 AM Subscribe
Controversial public art is nothing new in Colorado, the state whose largest airport welcomes you with Blucifer, the red-eyed demon mustang who tragically killed his own sculptor. But for many citizens of Durango, CO, this summer's $28,000 installation of Tom Holmes' piece "Arc of History" wasn't unsettling so much as simply aesthetically insipid. Described as "a giant stone Batman signal," "a flying piece of excrement at the intersection of Highways 160 and 550," or more succinctly, "Turd Rock," Arc of History drew little praise until last week, when an anonymous local resident placed a handmade dinosaur head atop the sculpture on Halloween. But Arc of History's new Mesozoic look was not to be. On Monday afternoon, police received a call that a group of local youth had pilfered the head, sending Durango residents in an uproar. On Wednesday evening, the Durango Herald reported that the dinosaur head had been surrendered to police custody:
"The dinosaur head is now in evidence, [Durango Police Department spokesman Lt. Ray ] Shupe said...
Studio & member artist Scott Dye, who analyzed photos of the dinosaur head taken whilst it was atop the Arc of History, said that the dinosaur head did not appear to be store-bought. In fact, he said, whoever created it showed tremendous technique, considerable artistry and a keen sense of proportion.
It’s unclear whether the dinosaur head had been damaged while in the care of the people who plundered it.
When the Herald requested to photograph the dinosaur head in Durango Police Department’s evidence room next to a uniformed police officer, Shupe refused, saying, “No, I can’t let you do that,” citing concerns relating to chain of evidence and the concept of professionalism.
Requests to photograph a uniformed police officer wearing the dinosaur head like a hat were likewise denied."
"Requests to photograph a uniformed police officer wearing the dinosaur head like a hat were likewise denied."
The Durango Herald should be lauded for asking the tough questions of our authorities in this vexing case.
posted by MetropolisOfMentalLife at 12:01 PM on November 6, 2014 [45 favorites]
The Durango Herald should be lauded for asking the tough questions of our authorities in this vexing case.
posted by MetropolisOfMentalLife at 12:01 PM on November 6, 2014 [45 favorites]
Imagine my disappointment upon discovering that it looks absolutely nothing like "a giant stone Batman signal," unless you're going for an extreme minimalist approach.
posted by Halloween Jack at 12:06 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Halloween Jack at 12:06 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
I love the police response:
Requests to photograph a uniformed police officer wearing the dinosaur head like a hat were likewise denied.
“You’re killing me. I can’t do that. That would be even more unprofessional,” said [Lt. Ray] Shupe.
posted by selenized at 12:06 PM on November 6, 2014 [10 favorites]
Requests to photograph a uniformed police officer wearing the dinosaur head like a hat were likewise denied.
“You’re killing me. I can’t do that. That would be even more unprofessional,” said [Lt. Ray] Shupe.
posted by selenized at 12:06 PM on November 6, 2014 [10 favorites]
Described as "a giant stone Batman signal,"
Nonsense. This piece was commissioned by a highly reputable philanthropic organization, and the Wayne Foundation would never besmirch its good name by associating itself with that vigilante thug. I doubt that vacuous twit who runs it even knows who Batman is.
posted by Sangermaine at 12:07 PM on November 6, 2014 [15 favorites]
Nonsense. This piece was commissioned by a highly reputable philanthropic organization, and the Wayne Foundation would never besmirch its good name by associating itself with that vigilante thug. I doubt that vacuous twit who runs it even knows who Batman is.
posted by Sangermaine at 12:07 PM on November 6, 2014 [15 favorites]
“Every month change the head like next month put a Turkey Head.”
The December Santalith is going to look pretty weird.
posted by Wolfdog at 12:11 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
The December Santalith is going to look pretty weird.
posted by Wolfdog at 12:11 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
Hmmmm. . . that dinosaur head is a great idea.
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?
posted by General Tonic at 12:14 PM on November 6, 2014
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?
posted by General Tonic at 12:14 PM on November 6, 2014
The December Santalith
... is a FANTASTIC band name.
(Also, +1 to keeping the dino head.)
posted by mykescipark at 12:15 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
... is a FANTASTIC band name.
(Also, +1 to keeping the dino head.)
posted by mykescipark at 12:15 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
The people who did not speak in advance of the installation have spoken now. The addition of the dinosaur head should be retained as evidence of someone's irreverent genius. I am also partial to the monthly change of head. Would a bride's head be revisited every June?Maybe a panting puppy for the dog days of August?
posted by Cranberry at 12:16 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Cranberry at 12:16 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art?
Monorail....
posted by The Bellman at 12:17 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
Monorail....
posted by The Bellman at 12:17 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
Isn't all public art fundamentally gross? I mean, it's always as bland and inoffensive as possible, symbolizing nothing-in-particular, just sitting there looking dumb and getting in the way on the sidewalk.
posted by sonic meat machine at 12:19 PM on November 6, 2014
posted by sonic meat machine at 12:19 PM on November 6, 2014
That's awesome. The dinosaur head really turns the thing from a bland piece of background noise into something hilarious. I hope they replace it and it becomes permanent.
Dinosaur-Head for Durango City Council!
posted by leotrotsky at 12:20 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Dinosaur-Head for Durango City Council!
posted by leotrotsky at 12:20 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Responding to sonic meat machine:
Unless, as with the case of Blucifer, it isn't, and everyone complains that it looks like a giant blue demon horse is ushering visitors through the gates of hell.
posted by JHarris at 12:21 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
Unless, as with the case of Blucifer, it isn't, and everyone complains that it looks like a giant blue demon horse is ushering visitors through the gates of hell.
posted by JHarris at 12:21 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
Worth it just to learn the story of the murderous Blucifer.
I think it is true that if a piece of public art, no matter how ugly, just sticks around long enough, people eventually come to feel affection for it.
That said, Arc of History is pretty ugly. It's no Probot, that's for sure.
(of course, here in Dallas we do kind of have a set of Probots of our own. )
posted by emjaybee at 12:21 PM on November 6, 2014
I think it is true that if a piece of public art, no matter how ugly, just sticks around long enough, people eventually come to feel affection for it.
That said, Arc of History is pretty ugly. It's no Probot, that's for sure.
(of course, here in Dallas we do kind of have a set of Probots of our own. )
posted by emjaybee at 12:21 PM on November 6, 2014
I fully agree! Without the dinosaur head it's garbage. With the head, it's awesome!
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 12:22 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 12:22 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Count a vote against the dinosaur head. I loved the sculpture the first time I saw it. I thought the slabs of rock represented the area well because you could read in the slabs and the shape different kinds of symbolism for Durango's history and landforms: the geologic time represented in the area from volcanic island arcs slamming into each other in the Precambrian to the recent volcanism; the silver mining industry; the baskets and pottery found in the cliff dwellings at nearby Mesa Verde (a UNESCO heritage site); the Animas River winding down into the valley from the nearby San Juans; and even railroad ties from the Silverton and Durango narrow gauge RR.
So I don't understand the protests at all and IMHO can only conclude the residents have no imagination. But apparently I'm in the minority - I guess that's all part of art, and I only have to pass through the town, not live with it.
posted by barchan at 12:22 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
So I don't understand the protests at all and IMHO can only conclude the residents have no imagination. But apparently I'm in the minority - I guess that's all part of art, and I only have to pass through the town, not live with it.
posted by barchan at 12:22 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art?
Candy colored lucite discs. Lollipops.
posted by Babblesort at 12:22 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
Candy colored lucite discs. Lollipops.
posted by Babblesort at 12:22 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
The mystery of Durango’s dinosaur head – which appeared mysteriously on Halloween...
Sounds like a mystery to me, Scoob!
posted by Curious Artificer at 12:23 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Sounds like a mystery to me, Scoob!
posted by Curious Artificer at 12:23 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Isn't all public art fundamentally gross? I mean, it's always as bland and inoffensive as possible . . .
No.
posted by The Bellman at 12:23 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
No.
posted by The Bellman at 12:23 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
I will say no also. I used to have to stand by this sculpture (it was in a different location then) for up to an hour a day (for reasons not specifically linked to the statue). It is supposed to be a protest against TV media but it always seemed unpleasantly on a par with book burning to me.
posted by biffa at 12:27 PM on November 6, 2014
posted by biffa at 12:27 PM on November 6, 2014
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?
What you've got there is a lot of pikes. What you need is a lot of heads.
posted by Sys Rq at 12:30 PM on November 6, 2014 [14 favorites]
What you've got there is a lot of pikes. What you need is a lot of heads.
posted by Sys Rq at 12:30 PM on November 6, 2014 [14 favorites]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art?
You need a crack yarn bomber squad. Big soft colorful flowers, maybe some leaves, maybe some flags.
We used to have an art event here where each contributing artist created a 12"x12" painting/multimedia canavas in their own style, with a particular shape required. Similar constraints and freedom applied to adorning the top of each pole in the original you link could be very fun.
posted by amtho at 12:30 PM on November 6, 2014
You need a crack yarn bomber squad. Big soft colorful flowers, maybe some leaves, maybe some flags.
We used to have an art event here where each contributing artist created a 12"x12" painting/multimedia canavas in their own style, with a particular shape required. Similar constraints and freedom applied to adorning the top of each pole in the original you link could be very fun.
posted by amtho at 12:30 PM on November 6, 2014
Let's get this straight.
1. Deeply unpopular public art sculpture is unveiled at an intersection.
2. An unknown person, unauthorized, adds a large dinosaur head to the statue, causing most everyone to agree is an improvement. But is still, unquestionably, vandalism.
3. The dinosaur head is removed, also by an unknown person. Police start looking for the thieves.
That must be a really unpopular sculpture.
posted by JHarris at 12:30 PM on November 6, 2014 [22 favorites]
1. Deeply unpopular public art sculpture is unveiled at an intersection.
2. An unknown person, unauthorized, adds a large dinosaur head to the statue, causing most everyone to agree is an improvement. But is still, unquestionably, vandalism.
3. The dinosaur head is removed, also by an unknown person. Police start looking for the thieves.
That must be a really unpopular sculpture.
posted by JHarris at 12:30 PM on November 6, 2014 [22 favorites]
Remind me again which states have legalized recreational marijuana.
posted by skyscraper at 12:31 PM on November 6, 2014 [13 favorites]
posted by skyscraper at 12:31 PM on November 6, 2014 [13 favorites]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?
How wide are those poles? Would they be able to accommodate a shoe?
posted by evidenceofabsence at 12:31 PM on November 6, 2014
How wide are those poles? Would they be able to accommodate a shoe?
posted by evidenceofabsence at 12:31 PM on November 6, 2014
It's no a bad piece at all, but it looks like they chose a terrible place to put it. A lot of art doesn't work when you're zipping past it in a car - we recently had to move a gigantic Fletcher Benton sculpture because even though it was big, brightly colored, and in a prominent location, it merged in with other visual noise and nobody driving past really saw it.
Public art is so difficult. The response to it is usually one of two:
1. Did any of my tax money go towards it? (Sometimes it does, but it's usually in the neighborhood of a nickle or so.) I will rage that you spent my money on art when there's a pothole somewhere in the city!
2. It's so ugly/a pile of trash/a public health hazard. Why can't we have a realistic bronze sculpture of a plow/father of the city/cute animal/bicycle? That's real art, not what the elitist snobs are trying to dupe us with.
posted by PussKillian at 12:32 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Public art is so difficult. The response to it is usually one of two:
1. Did any of my tax money go towards it? (Sometimes it does, but it's usually in the neighborhood of a nickle or so.) I will rage that you spent my money on art when there's a pothole somewhere in the city!
2. It's so ugly/a pile of trash/a public health hazard. Why can't we have a realistic bronze sculpture of a plow/father of the city/cute animal/bicycle? That's real art, not what the elitist snobs are trying to dupe us with.
posted by PussKillian at 12:32 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
What you've got there is a lot of pikes. What you need is a lot of heads.
And remember, don't force the head - let the pike do the work.
posted by Flashman at 12:32 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
And remember, don't force the head - let the pike do the work.
posted by Flashman at 12:32 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
Everything about this is great. You go, Colorado.
posted by dudemanlives at 12:33 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by dudemanlives at 12:33 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Fair enough; I am chastised. I guess I'm just used to Charlotte, the land of the 2002 Public Art Ordinance, where things like this, this, and this prevail.
posted by sonic meat machine at 12:34 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by sonic meat machine at 12:34 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Shupe said “Jurassic Arc” is over, as police do not plan to return the dinosaur head to its perch atop the Arc of History.
“Technically, whoever placed it there was desecrating public property,” he said. “I know some people thought it looked better with the dinosaur head, and I’m not saying it didn’t,..."
posted by Snarl Furillo at 12:35 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
“Technically, whoever placed it there was desecrating public property,” he said. “I know some people thought it looked better with the dinosaur head, and I’m not saying it didn’t,..."
posted by Snarl Furillo at 12:35 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art?
Ask the kid with the giant backpack.
posted by maryr at 12:37 PM on November 6, 2014
Ask the kid with the giant backpack.
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posted by maryr at 12:37 PM on November 6, 2014
emjaybee: “Worth it just to learn the story of the murderous Blucifer.”
The post neglected to mention that the demon mustang is actually, er, anatomically correct.
posted by koeselitz at 12:37 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
The post neglected to mention that the demon mustang is actually, er, anatomically correct.
posted by koeselitz at 12:37 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
What you've got there is a lot of pikes. What you need is a lot of heads.
Or babies. It's the American Dream!
posted by maryr at 12:42 PM on November 6, 2014
Or babies. It's the American Dream!
posted by maryr at 12:42 PM on November 6, 2014
Isn't all public art fundamentally gross?
Oh hell no (for starters).
posted by aught at 12:44 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Oh hell no (for starters).
posted by aught at 12:44 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Herald reporter Chase Olivarius-Mcallister is the real hero of this story.
posted by book 'em dano at 12:47 PM on November 6, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by book 'em dano at 12:47 PM on November 6, 2014 [6 favorites]
In the photo, the young man ensconced within the dinosaur head makes a peace sign as four others look on, perhaps subconsciously signaling that even the most seemingly invincible predators – whether teenagers, or the T. rex – must resign themselves to their fates, and submit to the arc of history.
That's not a peace sign.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 12:49 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
My place of business has a slightly bizarre "Swimming Dog" sculpture (by Jim Sardonis) right by the main entrance. It has been nicknamed "Falcor" by the students (of course) and gets decorated with Santa hats and mortarboards from time to time. The best was the Thanksgiving they put a Pilgrim hat on it and turned the stick in his mouth into a turkey drumstick. The decorations only last for a day or two, and seem to be at least tacitly approved by the administration.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:50 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 12:50 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
That's totally Falcor! That's adorable!
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:55 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:55 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
My place of business has a slightly bizarre "Swimming Dog" sculpture
Oh god, that reminds me of something I'd forgotten, the equal-parts-terrifying-and-hilarious giant Michael Phelps sculpture that was in Omaha during the 2012 Olympic Swimming Team Trials.
posted by jason_steakums at 12:56 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Oh god, that reminds me of something I'd forgotten, the equal-parts-terrifying-and-hilarious giant Michael Phelps sculpture that was in Omaha during the 2012 Olympic Swimming Team Trials.
posted by jason_steakums at 12:56 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
That Luis Jimenez story is both terrifying and awesome. They've got two of his pieces at UT's Blanton museum, and if Blucifer is at least as terrifying in person as Progress II then I believe any and all stories about it. That thing is demonic. In the best possible sense, natch...
posted by theweasel at 12:57 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by theweasel at 12:57 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Oh god, that reminds me of something I'd forgotten, the equal-parts-terrifying-and-hilarious giant Michael Phelps sculpture that was in Omaha during the 2012 Olympic Swimming Team Trials.
Get your toddler away from there! Don't you know how many calories Giant Michael Phelps needs to consume in a day?
posted by deludingmyself at 12:58 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
Get your toddler away from there! Don't you know how many calories Giant Michael Phelps needs to consume in a day?
posted by deludingmyself at 12:58 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
"Turd Rock," Arc of History ...
Those who don't know history are condemned to repeatedly step in it.
posted by jamjam at 1:03 PM on November 6, 2014
Those who don't know history are condemned to repeatedly step in it.
posted by jamjam at 1:03 PM on November 6, 2014
Worth it just to learn the story of the murderous Blucifer.
I can't ever let a mention of the Devil Horse go without telling my story.
posted by malocchio at 1:05 PM on November 6, 2014 [8 favorites]
I can't ever let a mention of the Devil Horse go without telling my story.
posted by malocchio at 1:05 PM on November 6, 2014 [8 favorites]
Everything about this is great. You go, Colorado.
*puts on grumpy pants* Woah, let's not be hasty. How could the citizens of Durango come out so forcefully against a tiny sculpture and yet nobody in Denver seems upset that its inconic airport has, with the recent addition of a hotel, been turned into a whale with barnacles caught in the act of shitting? (Or a sword, if you're being kind)
With the recent election outcome and these kind of priorities in public outcry, fuck Colorado. *takes off grumpy pants*
posted by barchan at 1:06 PM on November 6, 2014
*puts on grumpy pants* Woah, let's not be hasty. How could the citizens of Durango come out so forcefully against a tiny sculpture and yet nobody in Denver seems upset that its inconic airport has, with the recent addition of a hotel, been turned into a whale with barnacles caught in the act of shitting? (Or a sword, if you're being kind)
With the recent election outcome and these kind of priorities in public outcry, fuck Colorado. *takes off grumpy pants*
posted by barchan at 1:06 PM on November 6, 2014
In my neck of the woods there's some city ordinance where if you want to develop commercial property, you have to make space or contribute funds for public art, or something. Cool, right? There's a lot of interesting sculpture all around town because of this. So what happened when one of the local car dealerships wanted to expand?
They comissioned a giant obelisk made of crushed bicycles.
Hah.
posted by prize bull octorok at 1:12 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
They comissioned a giant obelisk made of crushed bicycles.
Hah.
posted by prize bull octorok at 1:12 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
i wish i lived in durango, because i would put one of those big portable board signs under that sculpture and it would say "Ties - 3 for 10 bucks - Self serve"
posted by pyramid termite at 1:14 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by pyramid termite at 1:14 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
General Tonic: "Hmmmm. . . that dinosaur head is a great idea.
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?"
Scatter signs around with the following warnings:
This place is not a place of honor.
No highly esteemed deed is commemorated here.
Nothing valued is here.
This place is a message and part of a system of messages.
Pay attention to it!
Sending this message was important to us.
We considered ourselves to be a powerful culture.
posted by boo_radley at 1:15 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?"
Scatter signs around with the following warnings:
This place is not a place of honor.
No highly esteemed deed is commemorated here.
Nothing valued is here.
This place is a message and part of a system of messages.
Pay attention to it!
Sending this message was important to us.
We considered ourselves to be a powerful culture.
posted by boo_radley at 1:15 PM on November 6, 2014 [9 favorites]
demon mustang is actually, er, anatomically correct.
I hadn't clicked through to the previous link. I had assumed this was a car.
posted by biffa at 1:22 PM on November 6, 2014
I hadn't clicked through to the previous link. I had assumed this was a car.
posted by biffa at 1:22 PM on November 6, 2014
Excellent post, I just flew back home into DIA yesterday and have seen Blucifer so many times this year that I find his presence assurring. NWO psy-ops!!!111
I heard the backstory before and it was the subject of a long-ish Westword (Village Voice sister) piece too. However, most interesting to me was that the sculptor also has a cowboy-riding-Blucifer (or a cousin) sculpture at McCarran airport in Vegas, which I just flew in from, and have never managed to see / notice in three Vegas conference trips over three years. Huh.
posted by aydeejones at 1:27 PM on November 6, 2014
I heard the backstory before and it was the subject of a long-ish Westword (Village Voice sister) piece too. However, most interesting to me was that the sculptor also has a cowboy-riding-Blucifer (or a cousin) sculpture at McCarran airport in Vegas, which I just flew in from, and have never managed to see / notice in three Vegas conference trips over three years. Huh.
posted by aydeejones at 1:27 PM on November 6, 2014
For many years this statue of Icarus hung from the roof of the main entrance vault at then-Moisant (now Louis Armstrong) airport in New Orleans.
It was in fact a fantastic sculpture but a little unnerving to contemplate when your immediate purpose is to get on an airplane.
posted by localroger at 1:30 PM on November 6, 2014 [10 favorites]
It was in fact a fantastic sculpture but a little unnerving to contemplate when your immediate purpose is to get on an airplane.
posted by localroger at 1:30 PM on November 6, 2014 [10 favorites]
localroger, that one actually made me laugh out loud. Amazing.
posted by deludingmyself at 1:31 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by deludingmyself at 1:31 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
I dressed as Blucifer for Halloween this year, and I've never had such good responses to a costume. Everyone here knew exactly what my costume was, even though I wasn't very elaborate with it.
I don't think Arc of History would be as recognizable or as easily recreated in costume form.
posted by asperity at 1:34 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
I don't think Arc of History would be as recognizable or as easily recreated in costume form.
posted by asperity at 1:34 PM on November 6, 2014 [4 favorites]
I don't think Arc of History would be as recognizable
Just top your Fantastic Four Thing costume with a dinosaur head.
posted by localroger at 1:37 PM on November 6, 2014 [5 favorites]
Just top your Fantastic Four Thing costume with a dinosaur head.
posted by localroger at 1:37 PM on November 6, 2014 [5 favorites]
Can anyone help us in Springfield with this stupid ugly public art? Maybe lots of little hats, or giant cocktail weenies, or something?
The art looks fine. I'd rethink Springfield.
posted by cccorlew at 1:51 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
The art looks fine. I'd rethink Springfield.
posted by cccorlew at 1:51 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
Wow that is an ugly-ass sculpture. Or actually, I think the problem is the context. The intersection is pure ugly industrial stuff (asphalt, giant metal poles for lights, etc.) and so a bunch of slabs of rock strung together comes off to me as just more ugly people stuff. What that intersection needs is some flowers or a tree or something pretty. Then put the sculpture in a nice garden or green area so that it really stands out, and both the intersection and the sculpture will seem better.
posted by freecellwizard at 1:52 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by freecellwizard at 1:52 PM on November 6, 2014 [3 favorites]
Not Art, but possibly in a similar vein:
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, longest bridge over open water in the world at 24 miles, recently began installing a fleet of hideously oversized mile marker signs, which met with nearly universal condemnation when they started to appear. These signs are really meant for roads with a shoulder, which the Causeway doesn't have, and they're mounted very high to clear the guardrail, so they are WHAP WHAP WHAP all in your face every 568 feet instead of the previous rather serene view of the lake. They're especially annoying at night, when the line of green sentinels marching off to the horizon is by far the brightest thing to be seen.
Despite pausing the job for a few weeks to "study it" installation was resumed, mainly because it's being paid for by the Federal government but if they don't install the signs, the Causeway Commission will have to pay for the unused materials. So they're getting installed.
However, they had barely installed a quarter of them (480 in all, 240 in each direction) when southbound marker 14.0 disappeared. I'm sure it looks better on someone's dorm wall than it did on its now vacant post in the middle of the lake. The theft of 14 was kind of understandable since it's an even number, it's exactly midway between and therefore as far as you can get from one of the crossovers where the cops hang out, and it's the furthest such point from either shore.
When they got down to marker 5.1 (they started at southbound 24 on the northshore) after only a few days markers 5.4 and 5.6 disappeared, oddly leaving 5.5 in place. I still can't figure out the logic behind that.
Anyway they've now completed the southbound span. It's an easy thing to spot the gap teeth because there are so many of the damn things that gaps really stand out; at any given time you can see at least five of them, and lots more if you're cresting one of the five elevated humps. Despite the fact that hundreds of people complained about them and tens of thousands drive past every day, I've yet to see any acknowledgement of the thefts in the media. I suspect a pool to pick the next MIA would be popular, but also too easy to game.
posted by localroger at 1:52 PM on November 6, 2014
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, longest bridge over open water in the world at 24 miles, recently began installing a fleet of hideously oversized mile marker signs, which met with nearly universal condemnation when they started to appear. These signs are really meant for roads with a shoulder, which the Causeway doesn't have, and they're mounted very high to clear the guardrail, so they are WHAP WHAP WHAP all in your face every 568 feet instead of the previous rather serene view of the lake. They're especially annoying at night, when the line of green sentinels marching off to the horizon is by far the brightest thing to be seen.
Despite pausing the job for a few weeks to "study it" installation was resumed, mainly because it's being paid for by the Federal government but if they don't install the signs, the Causeway Commission will have to pay for the unused materials. So they're getting installed.
However, they had barely installed a quarter of them (480 in all, 240 in each direction) when southbound marker 14.0 disappeared. I'm sure it looks better on someone's dorm wall than it did on its now vacant post in the middle of the lake. The theft of 14 was kind of understandable since it's an even number, it's exactly midway between and therefore as far as you can get from one of the crossovers where the cops hang out, and it's the furthest such point from either shore.
When they got down to marker 5.1 (they started at southbound 24 on the northshore) after only a few days markers 5.4 and 5.6 disappeared, oddly leaving 5.5 in place. I still can't figure out the logic behind that.
Anyway they've now completed the southbound span. It's an easy thing to spot the gap teeth because there are so many of the damn things that gaps really stand out; at any given time you can see at least five of them, and lots more if you're cresting one of the five elevated humps. Despite the fact that hundreds of people complained about them and tens of thousands drive past every day, I've yet to see any acknowledgement of the thefts in the media. I suspect a pool to pick the next MIA would be popular, but also too easy to game.
posted by localroger at 1:52 PM on November 6, 2014
boo_radley: Scatter signs around with the following warnings:
You know, upon reflection I think they could just stick a bunch of Blucifers out by Yucca Mountain. Might be more effective.
posted by deludingmyself at 1:54 PM on November 6, 2014 [5 favorites]
You know, upon reflection I think they could just stick a bunch of Blucifers out by Yucca Mountain. Might be more effective.
posted by deludingmyself at 1:54 PM on November 6, 2014 [5 favorites]
Man, the only interesting art at Logan in Boston is the giant Dunkie's cup.
posted by maryr at 2:09 PM on November 6, 2014
posted by maryr at 2:09 PM on November 6, 2014
The great city of Durango should twin with the great city of Glasgow, where such matters are not lightly set aside.
posted by Devonian at 2:21 PM on November 6, 2014
posted by Devonian at 2:21 PM on November 6, 2014
Penis corn!
Made of footballs!
"It grows on you. Like a goiter."
posted by Madamina at 2:23 PM on November 6, 2014
Made of footballs!
"It grows on you. Like a goiter."
posted by Madamina at 2:23 PM on November 6, 2014
Isn't all public art fundamentally gross?
I sort of appreciate the weird abstract stuff more after visiting this area of St Paul where the art was just so literal and on-the-nose. There was one of a sort of cartoonish US soldier going all "Y U FORGET?" and it just seemed sort of tacky. A short walk away was a monument for fallen police officers that actually featured a long thin blue line. I mean, maybe you should also make it out of copper and put some fuzz on it? But then they also have big metallic statues of the Peanuts characters in this park downtown, and that was kinda fun, so it's not all bad by any means.
Also I'm a little bitter that the big chewing gum-speckled head was taken way from the Vancouver Art Gallery grounds, that thing was really cool and very gross.
posted by Hoopo at 2:36 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
I sort of appreciate the weird abstract stuff more after visiting this area of St Paul where the art was just so literal and on-the-nose. There was one of a sort of cartoonish US soldier going all "Y U FORGET?" and it just seemed sort of tacky. A short walk away was a monument for fallen police officers that actually featured a long thin blue line. I mean, maybe you should also make it out of copper and put some fuzz on it? But then they also have big metallic statues of the Peanuts characters in this park downtown, and that was kinda fun, so it's not all bad by any means.
Also I'm a little bitter that the big chewing gum-speckled head was taken way from the Vancouver Art Gallery grounds, that thing was really cool and very gross.
posted by Hoopo at 2:36 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
I once made the mistake of asking a friend what he thought of the new public art at the end of one of Portland's bridges. I was amazed at the vitriolic response for what are essentially bits of scaffolding.
My plan to improve them would be to plant either kudzu or hop vines at the base, so you wouldn't have to see them at all. His was thermite.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 2:52 PM on November 6, 2014
My plan to improve them would be to plant either kudzu or hop vines at the base, so you wouldn't have to see them at all. His was thermite.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 2:52 PM on November 6, 2014
Denver airport is a bit odd. The combined effect of things like blue demon horses, and vaguely StreetFighter 2-esque AK & Sword - wielding manifestations of War and Terror in mural form is a little unsettling.
There were other things about the place that I found odd, but I can no longer remember them. COINCIDENCE?
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:55 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
There were other things about the place that I found odd, but I can no longer remember them. COINCIDENCE?
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:55 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
A temporary public art project that I really loved can now be seen on Vimeo.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 3:21 PM on November 6, 2014
posted by evidenceofabsence at 3:21 PM on November 6, 2014
The addition of dinosaurs improves any public art.
On the outskirts of Kansas City, there is a set of 3 metal bulls, perched in the middle of an interchange.
About 15 years ago, some pranksters added a cutout velociraptor (or other dino) atop the ridge, heading towards the bulls.
It made the sculpture much more interesting, but unfortunately had to be removed, because people kept stopping on the highway to take photos.
(A quick google search didn't turn up any photos, unfortunately)
posted by madajb at 4:58 PM on November 6, 2014
On the outskirts of Kansas City, there is a set of 3 metal bulls, perched in the middle of an interchange.
About 15 years ago, some pranksters added a cutout velociraptor (or other dino) atop the ridge, heading towards the bulls.
It made the sculpture much more interesting, but unfortunately had to be removed, because people kept stopping on the highway to take photos.
(A quick google search didn't turn up any photos, unfortunately)
posted by madajb at 4:58 PM on November 6, 2014
It is clearly time for a Neil Gaiman novel and/or a Sandman comic and/or a Constantine story to tell the story of the accursed, unsettling, art in the Denver airport.
posted by emjaybee at 4:59 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by emjaybee at 4:59 PM on November 6, 2014 [2 favorites]
> The dinosaur head really turns the thing from a bland piece of background noise into something hilarious. I hope they replace it and it becomes permanent.
With a saddle.
posted by ardgedee at 6:27 PM on November 6, 2014
With a saddle.
posted by ardgedee at 6:27 PM on November 6, 2014
Let's not forget whale tails off I-89 just south of Burlington, VT.
posted by adamg at 6:49 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by adamg at 6:49 PM on November 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
If it amuses, you can imagine a large truck, carrying a full load of potatoes but sans brakes, hurtling across that intersection in the dead of night, launching into the air and gracefully bouncing to rest among the antique trains resting innocently across the way.
posted by underflow at 7:38 PM on November 6, 2014
posted by underflow at 7:38 PM on November 6, 2014
That's awesome. The dinosaur head really turns the thing from a bland piece of background noise into something hilarious. I hope they replace it and it becomes permanent.
The city can't without violating their contract with the artist, and perhaps some of the artist's rights.
posted by sebastienbailard at 8:36 PM on November 6, 2014
The city can't without violating their contract with the artist, and perhaps some of the artist's rights.
posted by sebastienbailard at 8:36 PM on November 6, 2014
In terms of connecting with the public, I've never seen anything quite like this. People just love these guys. All day long there's crowds of people posing with them, on them, around them, copying them. The artist even dropped the price significantly so it could stay in the City because he was thrilled with how the public was interacting with them. In the end I gather Lululemon put up the money, which...I guess I have to be thankful for yoga pants now.
posted by Hoopo at 7:50 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Hoopo at 7:50 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
About 15 years ago, some pranksters added a cutout velociraptor (or other dino) atop the ridge, heading towards the bulls.
Might be a reference to this, which is along the interstate in the middle of nowhere in South Dakota and is one of my favorite things about the drive from NY to my partner's family in Spearfish SD.
posted by aught at 8:27 AM on November 7, 2014
Might be a reference to this, which is along the interstate in the middle of nowhere in South Dakota and is one of my favorite things about the drive from NY to my partner's family in Spearfish SD.
posted by aught at 8:27 AM on November 7, 2014
one of my favorite things about the drive from NY to my partner's family in Spearfish SD.
...I have to image that's a pretty short list. That does not sound like a fun drive.
posted by maryr at 8:45 AM on November 7, 2014
...I have to image that's a pretty short list. That does not sound like a fun drive.
posted by maryr at 8:45 AM on November 7, 2014
You also get to see the giant bull head from Porter Sculpture Park in Montrose, SD looming over a hill on that drive.
posted by jason_steakums at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by jason_steakums at 8:56 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also there's a ton of sculptures in Rapid City, including Nixon doing his best Mr. Burns.
posted by jason_steakums at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by jason_steakums at 9:00 AM on November 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
one of my favorite things about the drive from NY to my partner's family in Spearfish SD.
...I have to image that's a pretty short list. That does not sound like a fun drive.
Well, audiobooks are a huge help. But it does involve driving through the middle of downtown Cleveland and Chicago (both interesting to me, and sometimes we stop in one or the other for activities) and then there's that whole weird geology with the rock bluffs and cliffs in central Wisconsin that always surprises and interests me. And the cliffs with the eagles along the Mississippi River on the border of Minnesota. And the Japanese gardens in Rockford IL. (You can see I have the high points memorized after all these years; we do the drive at least every other year, sometimes every year. Honestly, I don't actually mind it unless I haven't been sleeping well and am tired, then I have to drink more caffeine than I like.)
posted by aught at 12:24 PM on November 7, 2014
...I have to image that's a pretty short list. That does not sound like a fun drive.
Well, audiobooks are a huge help. But it does involve driving through the middle of downtown Cleveland and Chicago (both interesting to me, and sometimes we stop in one or the other for activities) and then there's that whole weird geology with the rock bluffs and cliffs in central Wisconsin that always surprises and interests me. And the cliffs with the eagles along the Mississippi River on the border of Minnesota. And the Japanese gardens in Rockford IL. (You can see I have the high points memorized after all these years; we do the drive at least every other year, sometimes every year. Honestly, I don't actually mind it unless I haven't been sleeping well and am tired, then I have to drink more caffeine than I like.)
posted by aught at 12:24 PM on November 7, 2014
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I wouldn't do it or enjoy bits of it. But it doesn't sound fun to do repeatedly.
posted by maryr at 3:40 PM on November 7, 2014
posted by maryr at 3:40 PM on November 7, 2014
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posted by Justinian at 11:57 AM on November 6, 2014 [8 favorites]