Rachel and Kyle thought my "Grace" jumping in the water was creepy, so I'm sure they'll think the same about this sculpture also by Niki at Shaw's Garden (Missouri Botanical Garden). The first time I saw it was on the news---they were having a hard time getting it over a bridge. I thought, "That just creeps me out." Then, we went on a tram tour at the garden and found out that Niki created this when she was actually dying. There is a doorway behind the jaws. She wanted everyone to go inside, sit on the bench to contemplate death. 
(double click to see close up, then use arrow to get back to main screen)
We went on a weekday morning before there were a lot of people at the Garden. I went inside and my mouth dropped open with surprise. While I was a little fearful and repulsed by the exterior, the interior was magical. I could feel myself unwinding and relaxing. The inside is beautifully decorated with mirrors--colors and images dance around from facet to facet and yet through the teeth, you can still see the real world and are reminded that your are sitting inside a skull. Then my eyes travelled up to the ceiling.
In contrast to the garish exterior and the exciting interior, the ceiling w
as very calming. It was covered with smooth blue stones encircling a pale moon. A calm settled over me. I felt like she was trying to tell us that eventhough we are repulsed by the thought of death, once we pass we experience something unexpected and beautiful. Perhaps the mirrors represent the reflection of our lives---the many facets of it. Finally comes a calming peace and sleep.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niki_de_Saint_Phalle
2 comments:
interesting... but still slightly creepy. how big is it if there's a door & a bench?
http://nikidesaintphalle.org/blog/20080422_cavi_and_the_giant_skull
6 tons---above shows a child in the nose cavity
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