Sculpture Exhibit Downtown Grand Rapids

[civitas]

If anyone missed the map on the Garden's web site is can be found at

http://www.meijergardens.org/media/scms/Otterness_GRMap.pdf

I wonder why they placed "Free Money" in front of the courthouse?

[Greedo]

I wonder why they placed "Free Money" in front of the courthouse?

I think that's what the artist wants us to figure out. Maybe he's trying to suggest something???

Personally, that's what I like about this guy's work. They're fun and comical, but they talk about really touchy subjects, like money, race, sex and class, and depending on where they're located the conversation changes.

I hope there's something going in today.

[andrew.w]

http://www.meijergardens.org/media/scms/Otterness_GRMap.pdf

I wonder why they placed "Free Money" in front of the courthouse?

Why is "Free Money" also on that map twice? The other one is on the blue bridge.

[mpchicago]

Looks like there's a Members reception for those of you with FMG memberships. May 30....7pm...includes a presentation by the artist as well as a preview of the pieces.

Sounds cool; I will be attending along with Mrs. LocalTalent, so you know the paparazzi will be there.

Hey - we didn't get our members invite! Must be stuck in the mail. We just got our May GR Magazine for cry'in outloud

[Greedo]

Maybe the one on the Blue Bridge is a different size? I've seen the same work listed in other shows as "Large Free Money" or "Small Free Money," "Large Bear" and "Medium Bear."

[Rizzo]

Does anyone think if this is a success in the community that people will become more interested in another project for public art downtown? More specifically a permanent structure, rather then a temporary exhibit.

[GRDadof3]

Caught two more installations today, "King and Queen".

I think the Brinks driver thought I was "casing" him (oops).

How fitting is King and Queen at 200 Ottawa. You're right about the inferred meanings behind their placement.

[Allison Slater]

I'm surprised that with these inferred meanings, the bank doesn't try to pull a NIMFY =p

[Fitz]

Took a walk at lunchtime and saw that Big Big Penny is out by the Civic Auditorium.

[GR1]

The placement of the sculptures really is great; I think my three favorite placements are:

Embezzler and Cop (at GRPD)

Woman with Book (at GRPL)

Educating the Rich on Globe (at GVSU)

[Rizzo]

I wonder if this will spark controversy... Is the cop getting bribed?

[GR1]

I wonder if this will spark controversy... Is the cop getting bribed?

[Greedo]

Some new pieces installed yesterday and today. Saw the installers on the Blue Bridge, but they weren't finished with the bases when I was down there.

[joeDowntown]

I think Meijer needs to purchase all of these sculptures and donate them to the city. They are SO cool, and he has some extra cash since everyone is turning down his gracious offers to donate money left and right (want a zoo? nope! Want a paved trail? nope!). We'll take the sculptures, Fred!

Joe

[civitas]

[joeDowntown]

Is Gulliver in place by the Children's Museum yet?

Joe

[GRDadof3]

The King contemplating what to do with Vandenberg and Calder Plazas

The Queen

Big Big Penny

I'm not sure what this guy is doing?

Party at the Amway! I see Otterness doesn't miss the anatomical details.

[Allison Slater]

After seeing that, I hope some religious nut doesn't go screaming to have it removed because of that. It's art.

When is it scheduled for all of these to be placed? I think I'm gonna take a tour and see them all. Maybe on bike =D

[GRDadof3]

Miniature Dancing on Money

Another money reference, on the ped bridge

3 sculptures total on the blue ped bridge now

[GRCentro]

This is exhibit is fantastic. I've seen people climbing/touching/walking all around the sculptures.

Imagine if Meijer Gardens would sponser something like this every summer...

Grand Rapids, Sculpture City

[civitas]

Party at the Amway! I see Otterness doesn't miss the anatomical details.

"Educating the Rich on Globe" is an interesting piece with much detail also...

I have 2 daughters in college and I'd like to have Otterness explain this one to me. The girl is studying while sitting on a rich guy with no pants. They are on top of the world that is being held up by four people, including one naked female. I didn't climb on it to see if the book has any writing. Big sigh...I'm glad we didn't act like that when I was in college .

Once again the placement is great. Old LV Eberhard would be spinning if he knew there was a naked guy in his front yard.

These pieces really are very good. I hope some of them find permanent homes around here.

[Rizzo]

I'm sure that when a lot more people realize this exhibit exists you'll hear the fowl. I didn't realize the sculptures had so much to do with sex roles as I once thought.

[civitas]

I'm sure that when a lot more people realize this exhibit exists you'll hear the fowl. I didn't realize the sculptures had so much to do with sex roles as I once thought.

My daughters had dolls that were more realistic than these sculptures. Some may be about sex, power and money (well, all but a few), but the "private parts" are subtle and the art is easily appreciated. These will be fine as long as they stay 6 feet away from the customers and there's no touching.

[Rizzo]

They made dolls with penises and vaginas!? My word....

[civitas]

They made dolls with penises and vaginas!? My word....

No Rizzo, they weren't that correct. I meant dolls like Barbie are more lifelike than these sculptures. Otterness' work is cartoon art as opposed to Mark London's lap dancers. Those who oppose the later can easily accept the former. They are very different.