An anarchist collective named “INDECLINE” yesterday placed full-size naked statues of Donald Trump in public places in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Cleveland. The artist who created the 300 pound statues is mainly known for creating monsters for horror films and haunted houses. The title is a reference to a Hans Christian Anderson story about an overconfident ruler, and indeed the statue has no balls.
Unfortunately, the statue in New York City’s Union Square was taken down by early afternoon, but the best part is a statement by a NYC Parks Department spokesperson: “NYC Parks stands firmly against any unpermitted erection in city parks, no matter how small.” More photos here, but remember, you can’t un-see them.
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Here in Portland, Or., there are two paintings of Trump that have been here for months. One is him naked, I have to avert my eyes when I go for lunch. The other is basically him replacing Hitler in a propaganda poster. Although it has symbols of both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.
I don’t like this. I admit, I can’t stand the man, but I don’t like that this is what we have come to. Argue with his ideas, or lack of ideas, argue with his stances, but don’t stoop to this level.
Hey, I’m eating here!
http://bit.ly/2bzLBWk
He likes his wife nude on display, why would he not like himself nude on display? Because he is a misogynist? He hasn’t complained.
My only criticism is the artist made his hands way too big in proportion to his schvanshtika.
Wildwood, I can understand your concern, but it was Trump himself, during a primary debate no less, who bragged about the size of his manhood, saying “And he [Rubio] referred to my hands if they are small, something else must be small. I guarantee you there is no problem. I guarantee you.” It was Marco Rubio who started the small hands thing. See http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/donald-trump-penis-size
I understand that he brought this on himself, but he is a base and classless person. He is bringing us down to his level. We should resist the urge to meet him there. I have to admit that when I first saw this I found it amusing in a rather vindictive way, but after thinking it through decided that it was wrong. At least in my opinion, it’s wrong.
I’m with Wildwood on this even though Trump set himself up for it and deserves it. I believe this in kind response reenforces negative body image stereotypes and is a win for purveyors of mindless cruelty. Yes, I laughed but I’m not proud of that. I love satire when it is skillfully executed with a scalpel not a cluster fuckin bomb.
I would agree with those above who opine resisting the urge to stoop to Trump’s level. But if one objective of art is to metaphorically or symbolically expose (in this case literally) hypocrisy and deception, then I think this one succeeds hysterically. The title itself, of course, is a spin on the old Hans Christian Anderson tale of hypocrisy and bourgeoisie, The Emperor’s New Clothes. The piece would not have had the impact it did, or even make sense, if only momentarily, if Trump had not set himself up as a target and Indecline hit the bullseye, IMHO.
Like Trump’s latest prediction (before an all white audience) that he would take 99% of the AA vote, I mean if you can’t laugh you’d have to cry, amiright?
I am sure the Hillary statues are in the works already, as an original idea never comes from the right. I am not looking forward to it.
I agree with Wildwood in general, but I cannot take Trump seriously. So I’m ok with it, but give me that eye bleach.
The trouble with this being ok, is when does it not become ok? Are we now going to be subjected to nude statues of every person running for office? Will the statues get progressively worse? Will they become the norm of politics?
Wildwood, it’s hard to imagine how these statues could get worse but, in regards to politics, my imagination has come up short many a time! Maybe we should get the pain over like ripping off a bandage. I suggest that INDESCENT be commissioned to create a naked sculpture of every voting age citizen for display in front of their residence.
David I guess I have a better imagination, (unfortunately?). How about statues of politicians engaging in sexual behavior, legal or illegal, committing torture, just to name two. There are others. I also suspect should we be subjected to naked sculptures of everyone, that the suicide rate would rise dramatically. I guess that business would be good for funeral parlors. Then there would be the people who would be shot as people guarded their homes to keep the statues from being erected. And on it goes. Like I said, an active imagination here.