Disproportionate. Disgusting. Ugly. Provocative. Suggestive. Indescribable. These are just a few of the words being used to describe one of SLU’s latest artistic endeavors-“Nancy.”
And now the statue is no more, thanks to the voiced concerns of students, parents, faculty members and staff.
On one hand, the administration should be applauded for listening to the University community. On the other hand, the administration must learn from this experience.
Art, especially statues, have added greatly to the beautification of campus. Our urban paradise has become a major selling point to prospective students and a clincher to wealthy donors. However, at some point, art can become nothing but lawn ornaments.
Driving through area suburbs and nearby towns, one might see a house with a few gnomes, some windmills, small forest creatures, pink flamingos and reflecting globes scattered throughout the yard. Some yard decorations add character. Too many makes a cluttered mess.
Fortunately, SLU still has ample green space, and neither pink flamingos nor reflecting globes have been spotted yet. However, decisions that continue to bring questionable statues onto campus have the potential to destroy the very thing they are trying to create.
Granted, many if not most statues are gifts donated to the University by wealthy alumni and generous benefactors. Perhaps these donations should be directed elsewhere.
In theory, a bronzed statue, placed throughout campus, helps to immortalize the benefactor. In reality, though thousands of students walk past “Doug,” in front of West Pine Gym, few know the name of its donor. More importantly, statues don’t make a difference in the lives of students. Scholarships, more funding for academic programs, research aids and improved student life impact students more every day than a few statues ever could. No one wants to look the proverbial gift-horse in the mouth, but with a little persuasion, donors can be convinced to spread their wealth differently.
No one denies that the campus looks good. Pictures from just five or 10 years ago highlight the changes. Roads have been closed, flowers have been planted and statues have sprung up.
Now that this priority of our president has been realized, it is time to turn the focus toward the many endeavors that still need his attention, time and commitment.
