Prankster dresses Osaka street statues in red (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

OSAKA —

Authorities in Osaka are puzzled after 19 of the 29 statues on Midosuji Boulevard, Osaka’s main street, were clothed in red dresses on the night of July 24 by a person or persons unknown. The statues on the boulevard, also known as “Midosuji Sculpture Street,” represent men, women and children of all ages. Each of the dresses is said to match the age, style and physical activity of its wearer.

Some members of the public have reacted positively to the phenomenon describing it as “vibrant” and “unique,” while others have described it as disrespectful. Osaka city authorities say that the statues were not damaged and that they are not treating the incident as a crime.

Osaka Mayor Kunio Hiramatsu, 62, told a news conference this week that “We’d like to know who did it, but we’re not looking to press charges. It has been an interesting incident and it has got people’s attention, but if the street were to become a venue for this kind of fashion show regularly, it would be difficult for us, so let’s do this kind of thing together.”

http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/prankster-dresses-osaka-street-statues-in-red

[malaise]

1. Interesting

:hi:

[HipChick]

2. Link..very tasteful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXGgdu6YWXo

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. I love this! LOL!! nt

[alfredo]

4. I like their attitude. Encourage creativity, encourage art.

[silverweb]

5. Guerrilla art...

Impermanent, tasteful, imaginative, and not in any way destructive or disrespectful of public property.

I love it!

[AsahinaKimi]

6. It sure is different from

American forms of graffiti ne!

[silverweb]

8. That's the truth!

Nothing to clean up except removal of the dresses.

The video makes clear that a lot of time and effort was put into creating each outfit, too. This involved careful preparation and planning.

After everyone has enjoyed speculating about the mystery for a while, if the artist(s) come forward and explains their motivations, it will complete the story. I know I'm all kinds of curious.

[librechik]

7. Textile graffitti--less damaging than paint, still has impact

cool stuff, often by "The ladies who art"

[silverweb]

9. Whoa... I missed that one!

Cool!

On edit Video: Watch the Wall Street Bull get crocheted!