Bert Green on October 19, 2009, at 11:16PM – #2

I noticed these just the other day. I like them. They add a nice counterpoint to the hard edges of the Police Building. It will be very pleasant there when the trees grow in more.

Clyde on October 20, 2009, at 04:48AM – #3

I saw them over the weekend and LOVE them. Thanks Peter for helping to make the neighborhood a bit more fun!

Eric on October 20, 2009, at 08:50AM – #4

Some people just don't understand art and must be force fed everything. They are disappointing.

Benjamin Cole on October 20, 2009, at 10:50AM – #5

Unfortunately, public art downtown must be abstract by edict of the CRA. These sculptures remind me of carcasses at a rendering plant.

Jasmijn on October 20, 2009, at 11:17AM – #6

I finally went and checked out the outside of the new police hq properly yesterday. I'm very impressed by the openness of the design, and how hidden the security features are so it doesn't look like a fortress. The plantings are both interesting and attractive, which is not what many people think of with the words "drought resistant." I like the "black blobs" a lot, as well as the "sentinels", and I don't think the memorial's being installed backwards detracts from its impact. As with other times I've passed by, there were people sitting on the benches on the 2nd St side, walking their dogs, or playing with their dogs, children, and each other on the lawn. Very pleasant.

Art Crit Eek on October 20, 2009, at 12:05PM – #7

They're sort of comical. They express a feeling of disability and struggle. There is a Daliesque quality to the sentinels. The "rendering plant" comment also seems apropos.

I also get the feeling they are tagger bait. Those smooth black surfaces are just begging for some ... cosmetic attention. They are very weird.

David Kennedy on October 20, 2009, at 12:05PM – #8

Given the photos are of the individual elements, it is difficult to appreciate the installation and the artist's intent. The objects themselves are quite bland, but that is probably beside the point. Some wider shots might have helped in presenting the larger experience of them. Definitely something that needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated.

It certainly sounds like it is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Pretty good for what I feared would be another police fortress.

bromike666 on October 20, 2009, at 01:23PM – #9

Wow, public art that doesn't suck?? What's next, the Mayor actually doing something besides a photo op?

Lets stop by Friday morning so I can see them in person.

David Kennedy on October 20, 2009, at 01:37PM – #10

I look forward to bro's assessment.

Ravi on October 20, 2009, at 02:31PM – #11

They remind me of the stages of the evolution of man ... except for elephants. I do like the roundness that complements the angles and edges of the building. (I agree with Art Crit Eek - tagger bait.)

Now that the construction fence is gone,I have really appreciated this site.

One Sunday, I spied a group of Asian women touring the landscaping, touching and discussing the plants.

After a recent night-time Dodger game, I saw a black cat sitting like a sphynx looking out onto the garden (serving and protecting us from vermin).

B on October 20, 2009, at 06:09PM – #12

Walked by today...I think they work. I think they could do something similar in the park that is planned for Spring St. Sooner rather than later.

bromike666 on October 21, 2009, at 08:15AM – #13

I look forward to bro's assessment.

;-)

DawnC on October 22, 2009, at 09:46AM – #15

I think it's hilarious that these whimsical Shmoo-like creatures are infuriating the police chief. He obviously likes his art more literal and easy to understand. I guess that viewpoint makes it easier to enforce laws? I agree that it softens the edges of the building as well as the boarder between law enforcement and it's citizens. Inside they're all business while these funny little blob things are goofing off around their grounds. I love it.

dont like on October 22, 2009, at 03:28PM – #16

The emperor is not wearing clothes!

E. on October 22, 2009, at 10:33PM – #17

I think it's ridiculous for people to judge other people based on whether or not they enjoy a certain piece of art, and I think it's disgusting how some art "enthusiasts" snootily look down their noses at the unwashed masses "who must be force fed everything" because a certain work is not understood. Some people like it, some people don't. Isn't that the way with most things? And isn't that the way with art?

DawnC on October 23, 2009, at 09:40AM – #18

E.- I didn't mean to judge the police chief's taste I just thought his reaction was funny because the art (to me) seems so non-threatening. The image of him passing them every day and shaking his head (or fist) in disgust amuses me for some reason. I mean come on, a guy who has controlled the police forces of the U.S.'s largest cities and is now moving on to control police forces around the world is pissed off about some rolly-polly art? He has every right to his opinion and I have every right to be tickled by it.

E. on October 23, 2009, at 11:22AM – #19

Dawn, my comment was directed towards Eric way up there. Should've specified that. I agree that your image of Bratton is amusing.

bromike666 on October 23, 2009, at 07:37PM – #20

Rode by on the bicycle today. LOVE THEM!

nuff said,

No Place for Cute. on October 24, 2009, at 12:16PM – #21

Now I understand why Bukowski hated Mickey Mouse.