Key Points
- Vandals in Bend, Oregon, have affixed oversized googly eyes to public sculptures, raising concerns among city officials.
- The adhesive used to attach the googly eyes could potentially damage the artwork, particularly sculptures made of corten steel and stainless steel.
- Restoring the sculptures after the vandalism requires specialized chemical treatments and solvents, which can be costly for the city.
- While some residents find the prank amusing, the action is considered vandalism and can have negative consequences for the artwork and the community.
The city of Bend, Oregon, is facing an unusual problem. Vandals have begun attaching oversized googly eyes to public sculptures. These eyes have been spotted on metal deer and geometric shapes located in roundabouts.
However, city officials are taking this situation seriously. They view this act as a genuine problem, not just a joke. Their main concern revolves around the costs incurred and the potential damage caused to the artworks.
An Instagram post from the city of Bend indicates that removing these googly eyes can cost up to $1,500. While the message finds some lightness in the situation, it emphasizes the importance of protecting art and public investment. The city is urging citizens to stop sticking googly eyes on the sculptures.
"We understand the childish fun and artistic spirit, but these sculptures are part of Bend's urban art landscape and cost taxpayers money to maintain," the post stated.
René Mitchell, a spokesperson for the city, explained that the restoration process is complex and costly. "Conserving artworks and maintaining urban sculptures is essential to preserving the vitality of our city," she said. "Vandalism with these googly eyes presents a new challenge, but we are determined to find solutions to remove the adhesive and restore the sculptures."
Citizens' opinions on this issue are divided. Some view this initiative as a playful way to engage with urban art, while others believe it is important to respect the works in their original state. City officials, meanwhile, are concerned about the costs and damages caused. Indeed, the glue used to affix the eyes can damage the artworks, especially those made of corten steel or stainless steel.
Restoring these sculptures requires specific treatments and solvents, which represents a significant financial burden for the city.
Jean Dubreil