Tacky, tacky. The 26-foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe (in the iconic blowing skirt pose, of course) recently installed in Chicago's Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue makes a statement. The one that says Chicagoans have no taste. Or maybe that the private investors who are paying for the beyond-ugly Seward Johnson sculpture to decorate the plaza until next year are hardly discerning art patrons.
I love Chicago's sculptures. The Picasso, the Bean, the giant eyeball, even the 106 cast-iron figures of just legs and feet at Grant Park. Quirky, creative, thought-provoking and fun. But this huge statue, one that invites tourists to take photos up Marilyn's skirt, as columnist Richard Roeper says, "is not an upgrade." This giant souvenir Marilyn belongs at Grauman's Chinese Theater in LA. Where's the Chicago connection? There isn't one.
This is kitsch, not art.
And what's next? A 50-foot rotating hula dancer?
Comments