Living Statue...
Eli "performing"
Eli occasionally "performs" as a "living statue". Below is an article he authored describing this artistic outlet. Also, at the bottom of the page are images and a YouTube clip of Eli "performing". Please visit and "like" his face book page here and read UPDATES here about his recent experiences.
Life imitating art
From what I’ve read, the history of “living statues” or “living sculptures” is unclear. Supposedly it’s been around for hundreds of years and probably started in Europe. PT Barnum used them for parts of his shows. Beyond that, this “art form” is generally a mystery and under appreciated here in the states.
It could simply be described as someone dressing up with makeup and paint to look like a sculpture. The “artist” and their outfits appear to be stone, bronze, marble or other various mediums. I’ve seen some that actually look like plants or piles of trash. Once in costume these entertainers lay, stand or sit quietly in certain poses for long extended periods of time, only occasionally making subtle movements to the surprise of passerby’s. However it’s not about scaring people, this is deeper than that.
I’ve heard people comment that they’ve seen these street performers in various places such as Las Vegas, Disney, New Orleans and other major cities as well as while traveling the globe. It’s a big deal in some European cities, even to the extent of having mass gatherings and annual conventions.
As an artist and bronze sculptor I’ve attended numerous trade and art shows. After seeing these fascinating performers for the first time, the thought occurred that if used for promotion they’d be a great attraction, bringing attention to my booth and artwork during art shows. The idea of what they do and their potential haunted me for several years.
Last year I was inspired to try performing as a “living statue” myself at one of the many art shows my father and I exhibit at. I asked show management and permission was given.
After contemplation, planning, failed attempts to paint certain fabrics, frustration and discouragement I was finally able to create a uniform of a “construction worker” that I thought worked.
While I sat there dressed in a heavy leather coat and clothes with thick face makeup in the late August afternoon sun, I learned what it is to really be hot.
Since then, word spread and I’ve been “hired” for several other “gigs” and have been able to develop additional costumes. These opportunities helped me better understand why I and others sit very still with itches and pains, usually in the scorching heat of the sun, sweating gallons.
The simple truth is it’s the fun of watching others watch me. It’s entertaining for them and me both. The amusing reactions of viewers vary depending on age and never fail to fascinate and are worth any amount of time spent being uncomfortable.
You might expect that only the children find me creepy and confusing. Oh contraire. Although it’s usually kids who fully reveal their dislike of me for the disruption I cause to their blissful world, I’ve also watched many aged and experienced adults walk a far parameter to avoid me at all costs. They look down, never daring to cast their eyes towards me. You can hear them fearfully hoping “if I don’t look he isn’t there, if I don’t look…”
Yet there are others who stand there staring, asking questions, prodding, hoping I’ll react. To their disappointment, while “in character” I won’t and don’t except for a few rare thumb’s up, or the slight head nod saved for those who don’t expect or want them. Those seeking a reaction from me will not get what they crave. It’s a game I play.
I’ve witnessed a strange fascination for some women that I won’t attempt to explain. Hugs, pictures while sitting on my lap, flirtatious smiles have been a few of the interesting reactions by this group. Yet I’ve kept my resolve, stayed in character and never openly reacted to these sometimes weird situations.
The random reactions to my new found hobby are what I look forward to. It’s doubtful that I’ll tire of “performing” anytime soon.
If after reading this, if you think “I still don’t get it” then it’s doubtful you ever will. For anyone else, the curious, the enthralled, the intrigued women, I’ll be performing somewhere, sometime, so from now on, where ever you go, keep a watchful eye. You never know if that statue you’re admiring is flesh and bone under that painted facade.
Life imitating art
From what I’ve read, the history of “living statues” or “living sculptures” is unclear. Supposedly it’s been around for hundreds of years and probably started in Europe. PT Barnum used them for parts of his shows. Beyond that, this “art form” is generally a mystery and under appreciated here in the states.
It could simply be described as someone dressing up with makeup and paint to look like a sculpture. The “artist” and their outfits appear to be stone, bronze, marble or other various mediums. I’ve seen some that actually look like plants or piles of trash. Once in costume these entertainers lay, stand or sit quietly in certain poses for long extended periods of time, only occasionally making subtle movements to the surprise of passerby’s. However it’s not about scaring people, this is deeper than that.
I’ve heard people comment that they’ve seen these street performers in various places such as Las Vegas, Disney, New Orleans and other major cities as well as while traveling the globe. It’s a big deal in some European cities, even to the extent of having mass gatherings and annual conventions.
As an artist and bronze sculptor I’ve attended numerous trade and art shows. After seeing these fascinating performers for the first time, the thought occurred that if used for promotion they’d be a great attraction, bringing attention to my booth and artwork during art shows. The idea of what they do and their potential haunted me for several years.
Last year I was inspired to try performing as a “living statue” myself at one of the many art shows my father and I exhibit at. I asked show management and permission was given.
After contemplation, planning, failed attempts to paint certain fabrics, frustration and discouragement I was finally able to create a uniform of a “construction worker” that I thought worked.
While I sat there dressed in a heavy leather coat and clothes with thick face makeup in the late August afternoon sun, I learned what it is to really be hot.
Since then, word spread and I’ve been “hired” for several other “gigs” and have been able to develop additional costumes. These opportunities helped me better understand why I and others sit very still with itches and pains, usually in the scorching heat of the sun, sweating gallons.
The simple truth is it’s the fun of watching others watch me. It’s entertaining for them and me both. The amusing reactions of viewers vary depending on age and never fail to fascinate and are worth any amount of time spent being uncomfortable.
You might expect that only the children find me creepy and confusing. Oh contraire. Although it’s usually kids who fully reveal their dislike of me for the disruption I cause to their blissful world, I’ve also watched many aged and experienced adults walk a far parameter to avoid me at all costs. They look down, never daring to cast their eyes towards me. You can hear them fearfully hoping “if I don’t look he isn’t there, if I don’t look…”
Yet there are others who stand there staring, asking questions, prodding, hoping I’ll react. To their disappointment, while “in character” I won’t and don’t except for a few rare thumb’s up, or the slight head nod saved for those who don’t expect or want them. Those seeking a reaction from me will not get what they crave. It’s a game I play.
I’ve witnessed a strange fascination for some women that I won’t attempt to explain. Hugs, pictures while sitting on my lap, flirtatious smiles have been a few of the interesting reactions by this group. Yet I’ve kept my resolve, stayed in character and never openly reacted to these sometimes weird situations.
The random reactions to my new found hobby are what I look forward to. It’s doubtful that I’ll tire of “performing” anytime soon.
If after reading this, if you think “I still don’t get it” then it’s doubtful you ever will. For anyone else, the curious, the enthralled, the intrigued women, I’ll be performing somewhere, sometime, so from now on, where ever you go, keep a watchful eye. You never know if that statue you’re admiring is flesh and bone under that painted facade.
Another living statue perspective...
Although there are only a few similarities between Eli and this speaker, there is a connection they share for their appreciation of being a living statue.
