Decision Pending is a bronze sculpture located in the city of Brighton, Michigan. The statue is located near the Brighton Mill Pond Park on the North side of Main Street;[1] it stands at five feet tall and is 20 inches wide. The statue is a dis-proportioned naked man standing upright. The statue was created by artist Jay Holland[2][3] and was donated to the city by a citizen’s group as part of the 2006 Brighton Biennial,[4][5] a project designed to fill the downtown area with pieces of outdoor art. Due to its controversial subject matter and its proximity to the Brighton World War 2 memorial the sculpture has been the topic of much public debate and has been the topic of many articles in the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus.
Public reception
editControversy
editThe public reception to Decision Pending has been mixed. Since its purchase in 2006 the statue has seen petitions to have it removed as well as counter-petitions to keep it in its current location. The statue has been the source of much controversy in Brighton. The statue is a point of controversy because many residents feel that its subject matter is not appropriate for public viewing and that its proximity to the Brighton World War II memorial is disrespectful. The Brighton city council has discussed relocating the statue on several occasions.[4][6][7] As of today the statue is still standing in its original position.
Tradition
editThe statue’s presence and the controversy surrounding it have prompted the development of many local traditions and customs. It is common for local groups and individuals in Brighton to dress or decorate the statue during holidays, festivals or sporting events.[7] The statue’s appearance has earned it several nicknames including "the elephant man" and “ugly naked guy” or simply “U.N.G.”[5][7] which has become a part of the Brighton area lexicon. The nickname “Ugly Naked Guy” was originally coined by Buddy Moorehouse,[5] writer and founder of the Community Journal, a local paper.[8]
Vandalism
editThe statue has long been a target of vandalism, it has been written on, dented, and was once knocked off its pedestal.[6] As a result, the statue now sits on a stronger stand.
References
edit- ^ "Brighton Arts & Culture Commission Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit" (PDF). City of Brighton. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2011-11-15.
- ^ Candler, Julie (2007-12-19). "Celebrating old masters: Veteran artists have strong work, and stronger opinions". Metro Times. Archived from the original on 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
- ^ "Jay Holland". Sauvé Art Foundation. Retrieved 2012-02-18.
- ^ a b "City Of Brighton City Council Meeting, City Hall, October 7, 2010" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 29, 2013.
- ^ a b c Moorehouse, Buddy (2010). "Woo-hoo! The Ugly Naked Guy is on the move". LivingstonTalk.com. Archived from the original on 2012-01-06.
- ^ a b "Search Results for 'decision pending'". City of Brighton.
- ^ a b c "Brighton Relocating 'Decision Pending' Statue". myFOXDetroit.com. 2010-08-23. Archived from the original on 2010-08-25.
- ^ Moorehouse, Buddy (2010-09-03). "Woo-hoo! The Ugly Naked Guy is on the move". LivingstonTalk.com. Archived from the original on 2011-12-07.
Further reading
edit- "Brighton's Most Famous Grad Celebrates Achievement". YouFine Sculpture.