A morning drive in route for another day under the pulsating lights of the office was momentarily halted by a shocking find. My eyes, yawning in the early hours of the day, scanned the awakening neighborhood for a rare jewel, something that would provoke an interesting thought and prompt research upon my arrival at work. The lonely streets passed with findings I have seen and people I have met. I approached a corner house which has intrigued me with past attempts to provoke thoughts within the day’s passers. I reduced my speed as my alertness increased. Expecting a stenciled sign like past messages, I am completely shocked at the morning’s greeting. Steadfast and abrupt, I am welcomed by a smooth manikin dressed in a bikini, lei and a Mexican sombrero. Upon further examination, I realize she is topless with one breast exposed and pointing at me.
I stood in front of my shocking find with a sheepish grin. It amazes me when something this daring is put in the streets of our conservative city. What prompted this installation? What is the reason and what thought is trying to be transfered? Cinco de Mayo is long gone and a Hawaiian lei is nothing out of the normal. Bikinis prance each hour of the day and top heavy women are like shells on the beach.
Along with the woman, a flapping pirate flag waves in the wind and a cement gargoyle stands watch. A fish floats nearby and a wood sign addresses the Captain’s Quarters. Palms surround the wood deck and a stiff cabana looms in the background. The individual components are as shocking as a mid summer hobo rant, but as a whole, can stop traffic on a sleepy morning.
Why do you think this installation was erected? What message is trying to be transfered? Does this offend you or is it art?
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This resident used to post wacky stenciled signs railing against “liberals,” the media, and undocumented immigrants. I like his (her?) change in tone.
Doesn’t it have an orange construction vest on it now?