Alison Lapper

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 Sep 2005, 14:51

What do other people think of the new monument of disabled 'artist' Alison Lapper just unveiled in Trafalgar Square?
My thoughts are a bit complex (I know, I know, but it does happen from time to time

). On one hand I think it's a well done sculpture and I'm glad it's not of a famous person like the Queen Mother or Princess Diana, on the other I don't think it's wholly appropriate for the situation. Not because it's of a pregnant, disabled woman but because it's a naked, pregnant, disabled woman. I think it would have had just as much impact if she had been fully clothed. Autism is a disability - had the sitter been autistic would they also have been naked? Not everybody passing through Trafalgar Square wants to be confronted by a giant naked person, disabled or not. Would Nelson have looked any better in the noddy?

ecm · Post by **ecm** » 18 Sep 2005, 15:43

For those that might not have seen the statue (though it's not such a great pic of it).

Some pretty wide-ranging opinions on here.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/4249606.stm

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 Sep 2005, 16:08

Thanks for that ecm. I didn't realise it wasn't going to be permanent. In that case, they could have put up some wind socks........

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Sep 2005, 16:33

Well, if one of the purposes of Art is to stimulate discussion then it's certainly achieved that.

I haven't seen it with my own eyes, but as far as I can tell it's a striking work. The fact that she is naked is true to a long tradition of the artist looking at the beauty of the human form. In fact, it is important that she is naked as it challenges our perception of the perfect body - especially in this age of plastic surgery and 'heroin chic' super models. The fact that she is pregnant echoes classical portrayal of woman as the fertile 'earth goddess' while on another level, proves that disability didn't make her unattractive or less of a woman; she obviously has a sex life!

Err...I'll shut up now

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 Sep 2005, 17:13

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Sep 2005, 17:21

No comment to add Bob?

PS
Don't think that photo really does it justice. The film I saw of it showed it viewed from a variety of angles and gave an idea of the scale of the sculpture.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 Sep 2005, 17:34

I must confess I rather like the idea of it upsetting a few people who would rather have another military hero up there.

I used to love the way Viz sent up the art establishment with 'The Critics'. (I think we probably all know a few 'Millie Tant's' and 'Modern Parents' as well.)

Marc says:
"The sculpture is a portrait of Alison Lapper when she was 81/2 months pregnant. It is to be carved out of one block of white marble and would stand 4.7 metres high.
"At first glance it would seem that there are few if any public sculptures of people with disabilities. However, a closer look reveals that Trafalgar Square is one of the few public spaces where one exists: Nelson on top of his column has lost an arm. I think that Alison's portrait reactivates this dormant aspect of Trafalgar Square. Most public sculpture, especially in the Trafalgar Square and Whitehall areas, is triumphant male statuary. Nelson's Column is the epitome of a phallic male monument and I felt that the square needed some femininity, linking with Boudicca near the Houses of Parliament. Alison's statue could represent a new model of female heroism.

"In the past, heroes such as Nelson conquered the outside world. Now it seems to me they conquer their own circumstances and the prejudices of others, and I believe that Alison's portrait will symbolise this.

"I'm not physically disabled myself but from working with disabled sitters. I realised how hidden different bodies are in public life and media. Her pregnancy also makes this a monument to the possibilities of the future."

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 18 Sep 2005, 19:07

i think its cool

Dakota · Post by **Dakota** » 18 Sep 2005, 19:59

An incredibly powerful piece. I'd love to see it "in situ".

I really don't understand how anyone could find it offensive' unless they're offended by the nudity itself. As a celebration of diversity, of beauty, of hope for our future. I wish I had the words to express my feelings about this wonderful piece. I wish we had something like it in Edinburgh.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 Sep 2005, 20:09

I don't find it offensive and I don't even find the nutidy offensive - I just find the nudity pointless. Nudity for nudity's sake? A bit like making a sculpture of your baby out of it's placenta which was by the same artist I believe

ali · Post by **ali** » 18 Sep 2005, 20:10

Epykat wrote:What do other people think of the new monument of disabled 'artist' Alison Lapper just unveiled in Trafalgar Square?

I was wondering why you put the word artist in inverted commas?

She is a recognised artist in her own right .

http://www.britart.com/artists/artist1071_all.aspx

foxy · Post by **foxy** » 18 Sep 2005, 20:31

Alison featured on the programme "Child of our Times" which demonstrated the very real and different difficulties she had to face caring for her baby son e.g she often had to lift him using her teeth when there was no-one around to help during the night . An incredible woman. Just as brave as any military hero IMHO

I agree with Dakota and the others who think this is a wonderful sculpture which succeeds in portraying the strength and beauty of the subject

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 18 Sep 2005, 20:33

Epykat wrote:I don't find it offensive and I don't even find the nutidy offensive - I just find the nudity pointless. Nudity for nudity's sake?

I don't think the nudity is pointless, and certainly not nudity for nudity's sake. As Marya said in previous post, there is a point to the nudity, and that is that someone who is disabled and pregant can still be the subject of a beautiful sculpture.

Personally, I rather see a sculpture of Alison Lammer in Trafalgar Square than just another 'war hero' sculpture. It's a very beautiful and thought provoking piece of art.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 18 Sep 2005, 20:56

I believe it would have been more memorable and created more discussion if Alison had added an S to the beginning of her surname.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 Sep 2005, 21:44

[quote="ali"]I was wondering why you put the word artist in inverted commas?]

For the reasons you probably suspect. However, I started this post because I'm interested in other people's opinions of the sculpture. I gave mine and I don't see that I should have to justify it. What's your opinion?

ali · Post by **ali** » 18 Sep 2005, 22:01

Epykat wrote:
ali wrote:I was wondering why you put the word artist in inverted commas?]

For the reasons you probably suspect. However, I started this post because I'm interested in other people's opinions of the sculpture. I gave mine and I don't see that I should have to justify it. What's your opinion?

I like it. Dunno why. But I do. And thats what art's about!!!

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Alison Lapper

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