Wednesday, November 28, 2007

ABC Wednesday – S is for Statue

statue_umbrella_handle_hand

From Wikipedia: One of the more recognized pieces of public art in Portland is Seward Johnson's Allow Me, often popularly referred to as Umbrella Man. It is on the south side of the square, just above the amphitheater. Allow Me is a bronze statue of a man in a business suit, holding an umbrella and welcoming you with a friendly gesture.

statue_back

From Pioneer Courthouse Square dot org: Serving as a signature Portland icon, this bronze life-sized sculpture of a man offering his umbrella, was created by nationally known artist J. Seward Johnson of Princeton, New Jersey. The sculpture joins a number of Johnson's works in public spaces in cities such as New York, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Oakland, California.

statue_face

From Indopedia dot org: One of the more recognized pieces of public art in Portland is Seward Johnson's Allow Me. It is on the south side of the square, just above the amphitheater. Allow Me is a bronze statue of a man in a business suit, holding an umbrella and welcoming you with a friendly gesture.

statue_hand_fingers

From Everything2 dot com: Above the larger amphitheater and towards the southwest corner of the square stands the beloved bronze statue, Allow Me (popularly known as the "umbrella man"), depicting a cheerful and friendly Portlander leaning forward to offer his umbrella. Tourists get their picture taken standing under his umbrella, campaign volunteers stick political stickers on his breast after rallies, and citizens of all types meet at his side.

statue_full_front2

From Associated Content dot com: One of the highlights of Pioneer Square is the 'bronze man", a statue by renowned artist Seward Johnson. It is called "Allow Me" and is so real that visitors often mistake it for real. It is a favorite spot for photo sessions. No tourists goes away without a few pictures of themselves with the bronze guy.

26 comments:

Isadora said...

Just like the umbrella'd figures in Budapest - but I've never seen these statues painted! This is the first and can't say that it is not attractive. Look at that red tie!

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

could just use that umbrella today!

Anonymous said...

Interesting. Can't say we have anything similar in Norwich.

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Andrea said...

Statue is a wonderful "S" word. Interesting post.

Olivier said...

elle est très belle et beaux détails. elle me rappelle une statue à new york qui hèle un taxi.
oui, tu as raison hippopotamus est bien un restaurant


It is very nice and beautiful details. It reminds me of a statue in new york who hailed a taxi.
Yes, you are right hippopotamus is a restaurant

kml said...

He looks so real!

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

I LOVE this statue! Gotta find out who the model was, he looks so friendly (and handsome too). Great choice for the letter S, Lynette.

And thank you so very much for the words you left on my blog last night. You couldn't have paid me a better compliment. :)

mrsnesbitt said...

His shirt cuffs could do with a wash!
LOL!
Dx

Gwen said...

As Isadora said, it seems unusual that the sculpture has painted elements, for me it is the painted tie. Maybe because it has alot of neutral tones (?).This sculpture has a nice public context in the square.

dot said...

What a nice statue and a very interesting post!

Lynette said...

Glad y'all like this guy and his umbrella. The fact that it had been raining and, thankfully, stopped just before I got to the square was wonderful. I managed to get drops of rain hanging from the umbrella's rim, and one from his cuff. What fun!

Photo Cache said...

we always wanted to see this, but could not find it when we were in portland :)

Bettey said...

I always wonder what he was flagging down before there was MAX!

Annie said...

In a rainy, drizzly climate, this would be the perfect statue. Thanks for sharing this with the rest of us out here in the world.

Digital Flower Pictures said...

Wow that is a lifelike statue, Thanks for the pictures and details. I will be looking for him if I visit Portland.

photowannabe said...

Great S post Lynette. There is a lot of strength and action in your post.

WendyB said...

Is that gesture really friendly?!

Wayne said...

Very fun! What a cool statue. Good pics, and a great post.
Thanks,
Wayne

AVCr8teur said...

That umbrella is perfect for all seasons to block the rain and sun. It actually looks like he's hailing a cab.

Web-OJ said...

I'm glad you put 4 pics. I enjoyed seeing the close ups.

Kerri Farley said...

Wow - he does look real! Great shots!

Lara said...

nice statue

NorthBayPhoto said...

Great statue. Wonderful photos.

M. CHRISTOPHE said...

Nice close up...suspence till we see the statue fully.
Well done

writing_here said...

The funny thing is that in Portland, you can't hail a cab, you have to use a cab stand (like at a hotel) or phone for one.

If you look closely at the statue's watch fact you'll notice that he is wearing his watch upside down.

Anonymous said...

Awesome photos. It immediately took me back to the one I saw in LA called "Corporate Head" by Terry Allen.