Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth - Page 9

16-09-2005, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

Look at the previous occupants of the fourth plinth. "Homo Ecco" was just a statue of a bloke - completely unremarkable.

Missed that one. Must look it up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

"Regardless of history" looked like a dead tarred tree which had been dug up and dumped there.

I liked the way that one entwined the plinth. It seemed almost like it had grown there naturally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

"Monument" was just a mirror image of the base in clear plastic - so boring.

Yup. But then we can't like all art.

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

And this "Alison Lapper preganant" bores me too.

Fair enough. I think it is beautiful. Can't wait to see it for real.

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

As for the next bit of work... coloured scaffolding made out of meccano by a ten year old.

It does look rather...plasticy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

If people want to see artwork, they can go to one of the many museums in the capital.

Much better now they're free. But even so, 'art' doesn't get very inspiring coverage by the media, and in school lots of people are put off, because not everyone is exceptionally 'artistic', but many could appreciate art - if only they weren't spoon-fed how art must be appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by makikomi

So much of it just looks like the artist is taking the wee-wee and cobbled it together the morning after an all-night pub crawl, just minutes before the exhibition.

Reminds me of a piece I saw which was just that - a large jar of pee, with cigarette butts in it. Looked rather pointless to me.
__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangebird

It's almost like the Venus bust my mother has in her garden, but with a tummy and legs. Big deal

I think that's part of the power of it. And that 'armless' Venus is acknowledged as one of the great works of art.

Ramrod · 16-09-2005, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon M

On the basis that people are going to behave within this thread, I will reopen it.

Nice one Nem!

Jon M · 16-09-2005, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangebird

To all those that are offended and have children - are you going to have your children removed from sex ed classes when they come round? Because what they're going to see then is a damn sight more 'graphic' than the statue is...

Don't! I still have nightmares about the family playing volleyball on the beach... shudder

danielf · 16-09-2005, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScaredWebWarrior

<snip>

I think that's part of the power of it. And that 'armless' Venus is acknowledged as one of the great works of art.

There was an interview with the artist (and Lapper) on the BBC yesterday. The artist took his inspiration partly from the Venus. Basically, he said: people are coming from around the world to see this piece which is considered the epitome of beauty. Yet, if someone who looked like it were to enter the room, he/she would be shunned. I think he has a point...

orangebird · 16-09-2005, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon M

Don't! I still have nightmares about the family playing volleyball on the beach... shudder

I tried that. I hurts too much topless....

Jules · 16-09-2005, 11:09

I saw it on the news last night and to be honest I have no opinion ether way. Am I offended because she is nude...nope, am I offended because she is pregnant...nope, am I offended because she is disabled...hell no.

To be honest if I had just walked past this I would have looked and then carried on walking and never given it a second thought.

Ramrod · 16-09-2005, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon M

On the basis that people are going to behave within this thread, I will reopen it.

Nice one Nem!

I'm not offended by it either. I just think it's totally out of place there........

Jules · 16-09-2005, 11:12

I agree Rammy

Ramrod · 16-09-2005, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jules

To be honest if I had just walked past this I would have looked and then carried on walking and never given it a second thought.

I would.........they could have done so much better..............

16-09-2005, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jules

.......To be honest if I had just walked past this I would have looked and then carried on walking and never given it a second thought.

In which case as a piece of art it has failed. Actually I think its siting is crucial because most people will notice it because its not your usual, familiar, weather-beaten, plinth dwelling art. And when they notice it, it might make them think about their attitudes to beauty and disability.

Ramrod · 16-09-2005, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScaredWebWarrior

And that 'armless' Venus is acknowledged as one of the great works of art.

Venus is only armless 'cos her arms were damaged.......

16-09-2005, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

I just think it's totally out of place there........

But why?

BTW - what did that photoshopped image of Michaelangelo's David have to do with it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

they could have done so much better..............

For example?

marky · 16-09-2005, 11:16

just watching bbc news24 lord nelsons funeral live, it was the real one on this day 1806.

Ramrod · 16-09-2005, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyl

............. it might make them think about their attitudes to beauty and disability.

Thats nice...............but Trafalgar square is imo not the place to be making pc statements or statements about art/femininity/disability.....

16-09-2005, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Venus is only armless 'cos her arms were damaged.......

That's not the reason why it is considered great.