Cheeky Artwork: Marilyn Statue Gets Mixed Reviews

The sculpture's larger-than-life caboose faces a nearby church
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 9, 2018 2:30 PM CDT
Cheeky Artwork: Marilyn Statue Outside Church Leaves Some Upset
This Thursday, June 7, 2018, photo shows Seward Johnson's "Forever Marilyn" sculpture in Latham Park in Stamford, Conn. The 26-foot statue that was newly installed in the park is scandalizing some because her rear end is facing the entrance of the First Congregational Church.   (Matthew Brown/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP)

Marilyn Monroe's rear is getting some leers in Connecticut. A 26-foot statue of the actor has been placed in a Stamford park across the street from a church, which is getting a full view of her behind, reports the AP. It depicts the famous scene from 1955's The Seven Year Itch where Monroe holds down her white dress as air blows up from a subway grate. The back of the statue showing her underwear is clearly visible from the front of the First Congregational Church of Stamford. Some passersby this week said it was disrespectful to the church, and it is sure to spark conversation during Sunday worship, said church member Maureen Matthews. "I think some people will be offended," says Matthews, who is not bothered by the statue. "It is silly. There are bigger issues to worry about."

"Forever Marilyn" is one of 36 statues by artist Seward Johnson that are on display in the downtown area through the summer. They're part of the city's annual "Art in Public Spaces" program. All the statues except Marilyn are life-size and depict people doing everyday activities. City resident Lorri Tamburro told the Stamford Advocate that she found it disturbing to see children climbing on the statue's leg and looking up the skirt. "I just find the position to be offensive," she says. "I looked at it, and I think because of what I saw with all these little kids looking up, the height is ruining it. It's ruining beautiful Marilyn." The Rev. Dr. Todd Grant Yonkman, pastor of the First Congregational Church, has a sense of humor about the statue. "Maybe the city would let us give her some pants?" says Yonkman.

(More Connecticut stories.)

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