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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Friday good news: 'She's rebellious': actor on giant Plymouth sculpture she inspired

12 replies

MsTiggywinkletoyou · 22/03/2019 16:35

Here's an art story intended to inspire. Do you think it would inspire you? Is it the sort of thing you'd make a point of going to see, or taking your DC to see?

An actor who was the inspiration behind a giant bronze sculpture of a female figure has described her sense of awe at the scale of the piece, and suggested crude criticism of it may be fuelled by fear of the unknown.

Nicola Kavanagh said she found the 7-metre-high, 9.5-tonne statue, Messenger, which was delivered in suitably dramatic fashion to the Theatre Royal Plymouth this week, striking and beautiful.

She told the Guardian she hoped the strong, bold pose – so different in tone to most statues of women in the UK – would inspire children, especially girls, but accepted it was likely to remain divisive.

“It’s amazing, absolutely incredible, really striking,” said Kavanagh. “She’s brave, she’s not afraid. She is ready for anything that comes her way. If one little girl in Plymouth or anywhere else sees her and is inspired that would be great.

www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/mar/22/its-incredible-actor-who-inspired-huge-plymouth-sculpture-messenger

OP posts:
Knicknackpaddyflak · 22/03/2019 16:44

I looked at that picture and thought - ooh look, it's Julia Long being removed from another LGBT event. Take heart, for Mrs Pankhurst has been clapped in irons again!

I know they'll take the ropes off when they get her wherever she's going, but a strong woman in chains is really rather symbolic of the times.

Friday good news: 'She's rebellious': actor on giant Plymouth sculpture she inspired
Knicknackpaddyflak · 22/03/2019 16:45

(The ropes off the statue, not off Julia. As far as I know the police haven't tied her up yet.)

Freespeecher · 22/03/2019 17:12

Just looks like the classic Superhero pose really. Is that what they were after?

Popchyk · 22/03/2019 17:18

It has an unfortunate resemblance to Madigan. Grin

Binglebong · 22/03/2019 18:45

While I don't think of it as inspiring the majority of our influences are subconscious. So yes, a statue of a strong woman could well inspire someone.

DelectableDetriment · 22/03/2019 18:54

I think she's really rather amazing. I was up and on Plymouth Hoe at 6am on Monday to see her come in by barge. DD is 7 and was pleased to watch her arrive and is very taken with her.

MsTiggywinkletoyou · 22/03/2019 19:36

Somehow that lifts my heart, to hear of a 7 yo up before dawn to watch a barge bring this giant gift to the city.

OP posts:
GrumpyGran8 · 23/03/2019 12:42

I like it! She a strong woman, watchful, aware and ready to spring into action. Rather than the usual stiff pose of somebody waiting to be told what to do.

LassOfFyvie · 23/03/2019 12:49

It is very big and I'm sure it is impressive for that reason and seeing it being towed in would have been a sight worth seeing, but I'm not getting inspiring.

Maybe it is just the photograph but it doesn't look female either.

SlinkyDinkyDoo · 23/03/2019 12:57

What's wrong with it? She looks poised for action Confused

LassOfFyvie · 23/03/2019 13:03

What's wrong with it?

Is that to me or generally? I don't think anyone has said there is anything wrong with it. It doesn't look female to me- glancing at it , it looks male. Studying it and enlarging the face (admittedly on a phone screen) still looks male.

Funkaccino · 23/03/2019 15:03

I'd probably go and see it if it was local, but in all honesty I'm not really feeling it as inspiring. I think it looks kind of scary and like its about to take over the city tbh Blush

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