"What's the Reason"… Heated Debate in US City Over Nude Statue in Downtown Center

Controversy Raised Over the Appropriateness of the Artwork
Scheduled to Be Exhibited for at Least Six Months

Recently, a 13-meter-tall nude female statue was installed in the United States, sparking controversy locally due to its excessively obscene appearance.

On the 12th (local time), foreign media including CBS News reported that the sculpture "R-Evolution" by artist Mark Cochran was installed at Herman Plaza in San Francisco, California. "R-Evolution" is a nude female statue approximately 13.7 meters tall, symbolizing female strength and liberation. Mark Cochran created this work with the purpose of conveying a message about safety and freedom through the question, "How would the world change if women were truly safe?"

A 13-meter-tall "nude sculpture" was recently installed in the United States, sparking controversy locally due to its excessively obscene appearance. On the 12th (local time), foreign media including CBS News reported that the sculpture "R-Evolution" by artist Mako Cochran was installed at Herman Plaza in San Francisco, California. AP·Yonhap News Agency

The statue was unveiled on the 10th with music, lighting, and performance art, sponsored by the public art nonprofit organization 'Illuminate'. However, after the statue's installation, various online communities and social networking services (SNS) raised debates about the appropriateness of the statue. One netizen criticized a video featuring the statue, saying, "No matter how much it is art, does it make sense to place a naked woman in the middle of a city?"

A Republican lawmaker criticized, "San Francisco seems to be focusing on everything except the important things," and local media commented, "One of the many problems with R-Evolution is that we are all the audience of this work, yet none of us wanted this statue. The city of San Francisco should be ashamed." In particular, John Dennis, the San Francisco Republican leader, pointed out, "Now this city is dominated by a feminist and anti-male agenda," adding, "The huge naked female statue blocking the proud and iconic Ferry Building perfectly represents today's San Francisco."

Meanwhile, R-Evolution is scheduled to be exhibited for a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year. Last year, it was installed in Miami Beach, Florida, where it also sparked local controversy over its appropriateness.