The placement of giant statue of Marilyn Monroe which provides people attending a nearby church with an eye-full of her behind has sparked controversry in the US town of Stamford.
The almost eight metre tall statue, which stands in a park in the Connecticut town, recreates a scene from the 1955 film, The Seven Year Itch, in which Monroe. somewhat unsuccessfully, attempts to hold down her white dress while standing over a vent. The statue’s pose has her facing away from the First Congregational Church meaning her underwear clad backside is exposed to those leaving or entering the church.
The statue, the work of artist Seward Johnson, went up last week as part of a city-wide art display over summer.
Rev Dr Todd Grant Yonkman reportedly said he could see the funny side but said it was an odd artistic choice, saying Marilyn Monroe was “an artist deserving our respect”. “Why appropriate her image in this way. Is this the best we can do?”
While some churchgoers reportedly didn’t appear offended by the statue and its placement with one church member – Maureen Matthews – quoted as saying she thought there are “bigger issues to worry about”, others clearly were.
Pam Riley, a longtime church member, told The Stamford Advocate the statue was “disrespectful to the church”. “Her skirt is up in the air and everyone’s under there looking up her skirt.”
Some passersbys were also reportedly offended by the statue but Sandy Goldstein, president of the local business group sponsoring the art display said organisers didn’t believe it was offensive and meant no disrespect to the church.
The sculpture has been shown in numerous locations in the US and overseas prior to its current position.
