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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRealistic statue of man in his underwear at (all women) Wellesley College sparks controversy
A realistic-looking statue of a man sleepwalking in his underwear near the center of Wellesley College has created a stir among the women on campus, especially as more than 100 students at the all-womens college signed a petition asking administrators to remove it.
The statue, called Sleepwalker, is part of an art exhibit featuring sculptor Tony Matelli at the college's Davis Museum. The exhibit, New Gravity, features sculptures that are often reversed, upended or atomized.
However, the statue of the sleepwalker -- which is hard to miss in a high-traffic area by both pedestrians and drivers near the campus center -- has caused outrage among some students in just one day after its Feb. 3 installation. Zoe Magid, a Wellesley College junior majoring in political science, started a petition on Change.org asking college president H. Kim Bottomly to have the statue removed.
"[T]his highly lifelike sculpture has, within just a few hours of its outdoor installation, become a source of apprehension, fear, and triggering thoughts regarding sexual assault for many members of our campus community," says the petition, which was posted by Magid. "While it may appear humorous, or thought-provoking to some, it has already become a source of undue stress for many Wellesley College students, the majority of whom live, study, and work in this space."
Davis Museum director Lisa Fischman wrote on Wellesley College's official website that the sculpture was meant to evoke response.
http://www.boston.com/yourcampus/news/wellesley/2014/02/realistic_statue_of_man_in_his_underwear_at_wellesley_college_sparks_controversy.html
RedstDem
(1,239 posts)someone will run it over, its so close to that road!
Berlum
(7,044 posts)Totally creepy.
bemildred
(90,061 posts)I'll bet that is causing all kinds of "controversy" too.
Now imagine that was a young woman, in her underwear, and consider the difference in the reaction.
WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)There might be a greater appreciation for the "art."
cali
(114,904 posts)can't have that.
the only problem I think would be legitimate is does it have a potential to cause traffic accidents.
Javaman
(62,534 posts)morningfog
(18,115 posts)Lots of snow out today.
canoeist52
(2,282 posts)Could be a distraction for drivers , causing accidents.
WorseBeforeBetter
(11,441 posts)I see some hairless wonder out freezing in his tighty-whities. Someone who needs to be put back to bed with a warm blanket, not someone who wants to do me harm.
Interesting.
Definitely a bad location for it, what with vehicular traffic, and all.
TheCowsCameHome
(40,169 posts)MineralMan
(146,345 posts)to me. I can envision the students dressing it up in various ways for different occasions. It's a pasty guy in his tighty-whities. Decorate him with an array of clothing over time.
No stress. An opportunity for humor, it seems to me. It's a tradition.
Right now he needs a parka, a warm knit cap and some gloves. Or an ugly winter sweater. Here are a couple of examples of statues dressed up as a prank: