I’m not a good person to critique this work because I flat out hate modern abstract art. To me, if you are doing a sculpture or a painting of a cow, it should in some way resemble a cow. The artist could do a simplistic hard-line version, a photographic detail, or a dreamy vision of said cow–as long as I can look at it and realize it’s a cow. I have a problem with any work (and this includes poetry written by Wallace Stevens) where you have to have “footnotes” to even begin to understand where the artist was going with the concept.

However, if we are talking about the purpose of public art, I suppose this piece does get people talking. Dialogue is always a good thing. But again, on a personal level, I feel art should inspire…whether it’s just an emotional gut reaction like we have with a beautiful sunset, or whether it’s a call to research the subject matter of the piece–call it intellectual appeal. It shouldn’t leave people scratching their heads and going, “Whatever….”

I know how tall it is, what color it is, what it is supposed to be, but what did this thing cost?

Hey Shahrdad, I think you should be nominated to take some kids from one of the older public school buildings in St Louis and explain to them how your tax dollars were better spent on this as opposed to new books or air conditioning…

Reminds me of the Big Bent Pipe ART that was on Kingshyway & Lindell.
Yeap! someone was “HUSTLED”

in another sound example of a bunch of flapping jaws who love to complain generating misplaced outrage over nothing because they’re not inclined to read a thirteen sentence news article before they get all frothy mouthed with taxpayer outrage.

I direct your attention to the second freaking sentence of the article which states this was installed by the gateway foundation, which is a private entity…as opposed to the childrens books and air conditioning fund for the SLPS, or any other block of public funding.

Well……it has been said that “art” requires courage, but that if it sends light into the darkness of the beholder’s heart, then maybe it represents “truth.” But it has also been said that “creativity” is allowing yourself to make mistakes, but that “art” is knowing which ones to keep. I assume this one is a keeper.

My reaction: I like the bright color.

Thanks Matt for opening the eyes of others on reading the article before giving an opinion (bold blue type should catch the eye). I can’t wait to drive by and see the new sculpture on a bright sunny day!

I live in the area and I dislike this statue a lot. It is an eye sore. What is the point of having a piece of modern art that clashes with the surrounding “revitalized and classically decorated - I say historic” area? Not only that, but this “thing” is located in an inaccessible area cut off from all public access by the roads and highway ramps. So, is the purpose to distract drivers? Since those are the only ones who basically will enjoy any art at that location. I would have prefered trees….maybe a nice garden area. Afterall…we should GO GREEN and pleasant…not UGLY!

whether you consider this good art, simple eye candy, whatever, the City desperately needs more of it.

More! Encore! I love it!

Hurray for St. Louis and the Gateway Foundation. I love it, something to upset all the conservative, backward thinking art haters. Have you cynics never heard of the Museum of Modern Art (www.moma.org)? Take a visit and see that the world of art has many ways to express individualism. And to think that Van Gogh and Picasso were thought to be crazy with their interpretations of art, would you haters like to have one of their originals!