That new statue

[magentared]

I was wondering what people think about it, anyone care to share they thoughts?

[Loosehead]

Well to borrow a phrase from Charlie "It's a monstrous carbunckle on the face of humanity". What are they thinking?!

[andy hughes]

I don't like it. I know we are all being really right-on and PC with this, but I still think it screams "Look how genuine and 'new man' amd modern we are - we've made disability into art!"

It depends on what you think is good, or bad art, or if you think it's just attention-seeking irony.

Or just trash!

[georgit79]

I just don't really see the point of it, to be honest.

[Tritan]

pollitical correctness and "equality" gone mad. It's a disgrace. You have statues of some fantastic people and then they go and stick this one in as well. This belongs in an art museum or something, but not in Trafalgar Square.

When will people just accept that not everyone is equal or the same?

"We are all equal, some are more equal then others"

[Zen]

Theres been a Statue of a man with one eye and one arm in Trafalgar Square for years,what's the big deal ?

[jake-the-peg]

Well that's the great thing about not having a permanent occupant for the fourth plinth. If you don't like it it'll be gone in a couple of years.

What'd you prefer to see up there next time? Not another semi-anonamous general on a horse surely!

How about this one "the universal politician" http://www.artworksfoundry.com/artworksgallery/goode/images/sneakweed'.jpg

  

[woofgang]

I think that it is an excellent representational piece. Not sure how the subject thinks that it will get her art recognised though as its not a self portrait. Whether or not it is right for there is another story. Are the Elizabeth Frink sheep still near the ritz? now that's a lovely piece of scupture

[woofgang]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Paternoster_Square_-_Statue_of_Man_driving_Sheep_-_London_-_240404.jpg

probably not for traf sq though as not what you would want to view from below!!

[Grunty]

It could be worse.  My local council has had several attempts to put modern art on roundabouts.  One piece, costing tens of thousands of pounds, consisted of scrap cars in bales.

[dilligaf]

Glad ZEN noticed another statue in Trafalgar Square of someone else with a disability. But Nelson has clothes on. I am certainly not a prig and do not dislike the new statue.
It's just in the wrong place. I believe most visitors to Trafalgar Square appreciate the historic and architectural value of the area. There are sufficient art gallaries around London to view sculptures of naked and even naked disabled people for those who want to see that.

Graffiti is also on display in parts London for those who wish to appreciate it.
Would graffiti look right on the Monument in Whitehall , the Tower of London or even Buckinghan Palace?

[dilligaf]

Re last message. Meant Cenotaph in Whitehall not Monument.
Same fellings wrong site.

[ursula62]

I don't think it's the nakedness that people are having problems with. There are heaps of statues in London and other cities where women have bared breasts - even on Churches.

Maybe it's a pregnancy thing? Lots of people prefer pregnant women to cover up - just look at the number of letters on the letters pages of tabloids when a celebrity wanders round with a naked bump.

[Jules001]

I think the statue itself is great, I don't have any problems with the nakedness or pregnancy issues and certainly none with the disability angle. I do however not agree with the position of it. I really don't think that Trafalgar Square is the right place for it and I am glad that it is not going to be a permanent fixture on that site. I think it would be better placed in a gallery or somewhere else. I feel that it has been given such a prominent position, not because of the art appreciation but because of the 'PC' value

[Chessman]

As has already been said, its a remarkable piece of work, but its in the wrong place, blame Red Ken and the PC brigade,

[jocasta]

It's rubbish, thanks Ken Livingstone...i would like to ask, "what has she ever done for me"?.....not even provided entertainment..although god forbid they put Peter Kaye there..

[cliffsdoll]

i think the lady is really nice,dont get me wrong,but she,has the world staring at her and she is proud of it, i dont,get it, i have severe psoriasis, am a lovely person,enjoy life, have hobbies, lovely hubby and kids, and am a cliff freak,   anyway my point is ....    i would hate it if someone put up a statue  or poster of my  psoriasis in all it's glory

[Kelburn]

An insult to The Disabled and an offence to decency. Tokenism and Political Correctness of the worst kind and a public show of salving establishment consciences . Far better if they spent the time and money providing better Disabled Access to surrounding buildings in London.

[shivvy]

I think it is great.  I think it represents a lot of aspects that, although people say they are ok with, they would really rather not be exposed to eg the pregnant belly, the disability, the bared breasts.

I feel that this piece encapsulates much of what is inherently important in life - the miracle of pregnancy, the strength/beauty of women and the importance of welcoming diversity and promoting equality.