One of the oddest pieces of news I’ve read lately is that Oklahoma City is getting a statue of a nude Angelina Jolie breastfeeding two babies. Its kind of hard to figure out what it is all about because information is hard to come by. Many of the headlines talk about the statue being on the “Streets of Oklahoma City.” Apparently the statue is inspired by a picture of Ms. Jolie breastfeeding a couple of babies that appeared on the cover of W last year. The picture was shot by her husband Brad Pitt.
I didn’t look for the cover shot but I did look for the statue. You can check it out for yourself here. I don’t know anything about art, but this work doesn’t appear to be anything for the ages.
Despite what the headlines say the statue is going to be displayed in an art museum in Norman, Oklahoma. So we can drive around town without worrying about being flashed. Later on it is moving to London.
The piece was sculpted by a Daniel Edwards. He made the statue in order to encourage women to breast feed. So all you Okie pregnant women reading this, run on down to Norman to look at the statue in order to get your encouragement. Give me a shout back to let us know if it worked or not.
Daniel Edwards has done some other pieces according to the article in the link including a sculpture of Britney Spears giving birth. I haven’t seen it, don’t want to see it, but it is supposed to be anatomically correct. You will have to Google that one yourself.
So, I’m sorry, I don’t get the whole deal. I have seen all sorts of public breastfeeding. It doesn’t offend me or anybody else, and it is almost always done discreetly with some sort of drape and everybody averts their eyes and its cool. It has been going on for years in Oklahoma without any help from Hollywood actresses, their husbands, and flaky sculptors.
So I don’t think the statue is a big deal at all. What do you think?
to me personally it’s not a big deal…I think they are many more ‘news-worthy’ stories we could be covering instead of this…
just my 2cents
Breastfeeding is no big deal if done with a little discretion. The statue is almost intentionally vulgar. I’ve seen photos of both of these and hope they continue to travel… as far as possible.
I know where you heard about this – trivia!!
If I were going to follow someone’s lead, it would not be Jolie. I don’t care if she is pretty – she is disgusting.
Will be happy when that thing moves on to London.
@Georgie – Its interesting that the statue gets a lot of attention just because its of Ms. Jolie.
@Tulsa Gentleman – I agree. Breastfeeding is part of life and I don’t think women should be relegated to the back room to do it. It is almost done very discreetly.
@Baloney – you are right I first heard about this on your trivia quiz. Also Ms. Jolie is not actually a role model for others. I won’t be seeing the statue whether its here in Oklahoma or anywhere else.
This is like “news of the weird” for me.
Not my cup of tea either. I love viewing works of art but this most definitely does not appeal to me. I am not sure whether promoting breastfeeding is the only motive behind such a sensational piece. Maybe it’s just for the notoriety.
@Denise – I agree. This whole thing is just odd.
Ok she is pretty but I dont think that I like to see her breastfeeding statue everyday…
Well I checked out the link to the sculpture. I don’t have a problem with some doing a sculpture of a woman breastfeeding but this is kinda strange looking. I’m not big on art so maybe its just me.
I’m with Denise. I think this is one of those things that is personal–not shameful–and should be treated that way.
Though, now that I think of all the young women who have tattoos a la this bit of Hollywood, maybe it will speak to them in a meaningful way. I don’t know.
I hadn’t heard of this statue, but it’s typical of the ridiculous celebrity fascination in our society.
I looked at your link — definitely not art for the ages, in my opinion.
i signed up some months back to be a cultural examiner for okc. i wrote about this statue after i read your blog post, and i’ve earned enough money on hits from that one article to have a nice dinner out. thanks, yogi! it wouldn’t have happened without you!!!!
http://www.examiner.com/x-14215-Oklahoma-City-Cultural-Events-Examiner~y2009m8d10-Breastfeeding-Sculpture-of-Angelina-Jolie-Debuts-in-Oklahoma-Celebrates-Family-and-Home
I personally love the statue.
@Turquoise Diaries, @Kathy, @Sandy Carlson, @Janie – I agreew with all of you! Simultaneously!
@Jen – I was scared at first. Cultural Examiner sounds official and intimidating. But I checked your link. Great article!
So order large and take home on your dinner and think of me.
I realize this post is two years old, but I read ANGELINA JOLIE, and what can I say? I had to look.
I don’t find it offensive..however the Brit sculpture is way bizarre..not to mention, she had a c-section..so I’m not sure why they have her on all fours straddling a bear skin rug. Weird.