Awesome. Turns out this gigantic sculpture after the famous photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt is entitled "Unconditional Surrender, and has caused quite a controversy in Sarasota. Seems the Art in Public places people simply do not approve of art that the public actually likes. Typical of tin-eared ivory tower types who aren't smart enough to leverage a popular piece to promote newer forms.
Newsflash: Art in public spaces is a program that requires public support. Once in a while its really smart to go with that which builds support for your program, even if its not 'pure art' by your cloistered academic definition.
PS: There was a big lump of something next to it that was undoubtedly an 'approved' piece of public art - no one was taking pix of that, and I'm probably the only one who noticed it going unnoticed.
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There could be many reasons why art aficionados don't care for this work. The most obvious reason is the sculpture is derivative, big time. Originality is the cornerstone of truly exceptional fine art. Generally speaking, appropriating is still considered hip as long as the artist recontextualizes what is being appropriated. From what I can see, the context of the photograph remains in tact which would probably put this sculpture in the category of “hack art.”
ReplyDeleteI’m a gushing fan of the original photograph and I must confess; I really like the photographs of the sculpture. Even though this artwork is imbued with all the integrity of a gift shop souvenir it is pleasing to my eye. All things considered, I can’t give it an “Awesome” anymore than I could a knock off Rolex. Is it awful? Far from it; it’s fun and sweet.
The statue is clearly kitsch - a giant roadside art piece that celebrates a famous moment. It is fun. Is it 'serious art'? Well no. Does it serve a public purpose, and therefore deserve the support of the Art in Public places people? Absolutely. But only if they are smart, and it appears they are not.
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