OmahaOmaha wrote: Wed Dec 14, 2022 8:03 am
There is nothing spectacular about this “art”. It looks like one of those styrofoam heads that stores use to display wigs on, only it’s much, much bigger. These styrofoam heads can be bought for as little as $1.99. If you gave these heads out to everyone in a 4th grade class and gave them some paint and masking tape, I would bet they could easily come up with something just as good, if not better. Is it merely the size that makes this art? Is this a case where “bigger is better”?
I think it’s debatable as to whether this even *is* art.
I’m leaning toward “it’s decoration,” but it’s a borderline case.
Either way, I’m with you. It isn’t good.
Can either of you explain to a non-art buff why this particular piece is not Art, with a capital A? Is the giant aluminum pan guy across the river Art? Is the Bean, another public installation, Art? If so, why is that lauded as Art and not this colorful head? I am trying to gauge what you all think is Art and merely decoration; is there a difference. Again I am not an Art guy; I will look at famous pieces or pieces that are "good" or provocative and get nothing from them. I have neither the experience or vocabulary to assess art as Art. Like for me, this Kaneko installation, reminds me of a giant buddha head statute, like the one in Sagat's stage in Street Fighter II, crossed with an Easter Island head. At the end of the lagoon it's kind of peaceful and contemplative.
“Art” is a recreation of reality based on an artist’s values.
For example, imagine two otherwise identical paintings of a beautiful woman, but in one painting, the artist put a zit on her nose. In the other, she’s flawless.
Each artist is saying something dramatically different about mankind. The first may be saying that we are hopelessly flawed. The second may be saying that we can reach a perfect ideal.
It’s the things about reality that the artist chooses to incorporate and the values that they represent that make a piece “art.”
“Decoration” is something (hopefully) nice to look at. It doesn’t have a message or value judgment. Like a beautiful frame. Or a vase. Or a column.
Both art and decoration may be great or bad or anywhere in between.
It’s perfectly possible to love bad art. Or hate great art. (There is bad art that I love, and great art that I hate. There’s no contradiction in that.)
But things like random scraps of metal, or the Bean in Chicago are not “art.” In the case of the scrap metal, I might even argue that they’re “anti-art.” Which is utterly offensive. But that’s a different topic.
In the case of the Bean, I think it’s very good decoration.
On that train of thought what’s the value judgement of the Mona Lisa? What great message about humanity is being told there? Some art just exists to be beautiful, or ugly, without being questioned as art.
It’s in her expression. That’s the marvel of Michelangelo’s David as well. (Though David is more explicit.) To say nothing of the unbelievable technical skill (which admittedly is not a prerequisite of art.)
Spend some time with Mona. You’ll see.
Art in general takes real time and effort to appreciate fully. And any given piece requires thought.
(But I’ll still add that’s it’s pretty shocking to compare a DiVinci to something that’s basically Mrs. B’s kitch.)
These massive pieces take a lot of work and time! I’m happy to have them here. That is just my humble opinion though. To keep on topic though, very excited for late next summer when all is done!
In the 1990 movie, Ghost, one of Kaneko's dangos was featured in the apartment that Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze lived. That was the first time i remember seeing one of his pieces. You're welcome.
Anecdotal, but I don’t think I have even seen as many people at the old GLM than I saw there yesterday. It was absolutely packed. The park is a huge improvement and it’s only like 1/3 open. It’s been said plenty, but such a great addition to the city.
Finally, I made my way back here to Omaha and will be here for the next few days. Plenty of opportunities to check out GLM as well as all the other progress that’s been made throughout DT.
The early bird gets the worm. Got things done early this morning so it’s day 2 of riverfront exploration. I feel like a tourist in my hometown and soon to be home once again. I can’t wait until Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing are complete. It’s amenities like these, along with better/more transit options that draw people to either move here or return. I’m sitting here at 8th Street taking it all in, GLM and looking at all the progress at the adjacent parks, Mutual’s construction site, Mercantile. It nice there’s even an ORBT station right here (it’s how I’m getting around town lol). Simply put, impressive. Very very impressive!!!
Stvbec74 wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 11:47 am
The early bird gets the worm. Got things done early this morning so it’s day 2 of riverfront exploration. I feel like a tourist in my hometown and soon to be home once again. I can’t wait until Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing are complete. It’s amenities like these, along with better/more transit options that draw people to either move here or return. I’m sitting here at 8th Street taking it all in, GLM and looking at all the progress at the adjacent parks, Mutual’s construction site, Mercantile. It nice there’s even an ORBT station right here (it’s how I’m getting around town lol). Simply put, impressive. Very very impressive!!!
I am glad to read your impressions .. I was certain you’d be impressed..
As this decade continues, development will turn Omaha’s core area into something truly unrecognizable to a native who hasn’t visited in 5 years..
Omaha coming into its own before our very eyes. It’s exciting to see…
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
OmahaOmaha wrote: Wed Dec 14, 2022 8:03 am
There is nothing spectacular about this “art”. It looks like one of those styrofoam heads that stores use to display wigs on, only it’s much, much bigger. These styrofoam heads can be bought for as little as $1.99. If you gave these heads out to everyone in a 4th grade class and gave them some paint and masking tape, I would bet they could easily come up with something just as good, if not better. Is it merely the size that makes this art? Is this a case where “bigger is better”?
I think it’s debatable as to whether this even *is* art.
I’m leaning toward “it’s decoration,” but it’s a borderline case.
Either way, I’m with you. It isn’t good.
Can either of you explain to a non-art buff why this particular piece is not Art, with a capital A? Is the giant aluminum pan guy across the river Art? Is the Bean, another public installation, Art? If so, why is that lauded as Art and not this colorful head? I am trying to gauge what you all think is Art and merely decoration; is there a difference. Again I am not an Art guy; I will look at famous pieces or pieces that are "good" or provocative and get nothing from them. I have neither the experience or vocabulary to assess art as Art. Like for me, this Kaneko installation, reminds me of a giant buddha head statute, like the one in Sagat's stage in Street Fighter II, crossed with an Easter Island head. At the end of the lagoon it's kind of peaceful and contemplative.
“Art” is a recreation of reality based on an artist’s values.
For example, imagine two otherwise identical paintings of a beautiful woman, but in one painting, the artist put a zit on her nose. In the other, she’s flawless.
Each artist is saying something dramatically different about mankind. The first may be saying that we are hopelessly flawed. The second may be saying that we can reach a perfect ideal.
It’s the things about reality that the artist chooses to incorporate and the values that they represent that make a piece “art.”
“Decoration” is something (hopefully) nice to look at. It doesn’t have a message or value judgment. Like a beautiful frame. Or a vase. Or a column.
Both art and decoration may be great or bad or anywhere in between.
It’s perfectly possible to love bad art. Or hate great art. (There is bad art that I love, and great art that I hate. There’s no contradiction in that.)
But things like random scraps of metal, or the Bean in Chicago are not “art.” In the case of the scrap metal, I might even argue that they’re “anti-art.” Which is utterly offensive. But that’s a different topic.
In the case of the Bean, I think it’s very good decoration.
On that train of thought what’s the value judgement of the Mona Lisa? What great message about humanity is being told there? Some art just exists to be beautiful, or ugly, without being questioned as art.
It’s in her expression. That’s the marvel of Michelangelo’s David as well. (Though David is more explicit.) To say nothing of the unbelievable technical skill (which admittedly is not a prerequisite of art.)
Spend some time with Mona. You’ll see.
Art in general takes real time and effort to appreciate fully. And any given piece requires thought.
(But I’ll still add that’s it’s pretty shocking to compare a DiVinci to something that’s basically Mrs. B’s kitch.)
I am sorry but post-modern art such as the strange weird, unsymmetrical art that Kaneko has placed in many parts of our city is bland and does not have as much creativity and imagination as say as artists prior to the post-modernist era. That intersectional, inclusive head at GLM looks like its a 3D printed plastic head.
The notion that all art is subjective, is just propaganda that is pushed for us to believe that even a scribble is called art, we have watered down what art really is and sure a scribble may be liked by some but a scribble is not revered by as the many people that revere works like VanGogh's.
don't get me wrong I like modern buildings but art has been dumbed down to the point that art has been used as a guise of "donation" but in reality its a tactic to avoid paying taxes and to money launder. Many artists have been pushed aside in favor of those so called artists that are connected with wealthy donors.
Scuzz wrote: Thu Dec 15, 2022 8:46 pm
This has to be the biggest douchenoodle thread I've read on this site. Grow up, dorks... Both sides.
DTOLuv, Woop-Woop!
Its called having a discussion like adults and voicing our opninions, at least we can have a discussion about this in here, the subreddit on the other hand is authoritarian and doesn't allow for topics like this to be discussed
Actually, I believe that was the Campbell's Soup building. There was that and a small sandwich shop called Nooners about where the new Holland expansion is going in. Swanson was further east on Capital about where the Marriott is now.
omahahawk wrote: Thu May 25, 2023 11:30 pm
Actually, I believe that was the Campbell's Soup building. There was that and a small sandwich shop called Nooners about where the new Holland expansion is going in. Swanson was further east on Capital about where the Marriott is now.
In the last years of Swanson, Campbell's bought the Swanson brand. And as alluded to elsewhere above, the Swanson campus was several buildings in this area. So both answers are correct IMO.
My old signature got too old. So old it was getting almost as old me as me. Yeah, it was up there in years.
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
I'm convinced you are just a bad AI chat bot.
Yeah I'm 100% AI bot, if that makes you feel better haha
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
I'm convinced you are just a bad AI chat bot.
Yeah I'm 100% AI bot, if that makes you feel better haha
Seriously, though. The Central Park Mall was very popular when it first opened. It had lots and lots of visitors and activities. And $100s of millions in business investments and renovations either directly or indirectly as a result of the Central Park Mall. It was a catalyst in the transformation of the downtown that existed prior.
My old signature got too old. So old it was getting almost as old me as me. Yeah, it was up there in years.
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
I'm convinced you are just a bad AI chat bot.
Yeah I'm 100% AI bot, if that makes you feel better haha
Seriously, though. The Central Park Mall was very popular when it first opened. It had lots and lots of visitors and activities. And $100s of millions in business investments and renovations either directly or indirectly as a result of the Central Park Mall. It was a catalyst in the transformation of the downtown that existed prior.
How did it renovate the downtown? please be more specific as I'm not as familiar with how the downtown activity was impacted before and after the central park mall. In your opinion, what causes downtown to decline in activity before GLM was renovated again?
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
I'm convinced you are just a bad AI chat bot.
Yeah I'm 100% AI bot, if that makes you feel better haha
Seriously, though. The Central Park Mall was very popular when it first opened. It had lots and lots of visitors and activities. And $100s of millions in business investments and renovations either directly or indirectly as a result of the Central Park Mall. It was a catalyst in the transformation of the downtown that existed prior.
How did it renovate the downtown? please be more specific as I'm not as familiar with how the downtown activity was impacted before and after the central park mall. In your opinion, what causes downtown to decline in activity before GLM was renovated again?
In 1981, construction began on the Central Park Mall in downtown Omaha. It was the precursor to what's become the Gene Leahy Mall, now stretching down to The RiverFront. A total of $5 million was used to transform four commercial blocks into a park with a lagoon, diamond-shaped amphitheater, walking paths and a "stately building" that is now filled with commercial businesses. While the idea was grand, some of the reactions were not — people questioned whether it should've been constructed, if it's in the right place or if tax dollars should've been used to foot the bill.
See the origins of Gene Leahy Mall as the Central Park Mall in this archive video from May 17, 1981.
Wow, this is the first time I've seen the construction of the prior GLM. Its interesting how their vision was to draw in more people, though as the newscaster said "that is the hope of bringing businesses", though we now know that project did not turn as a success, as the second attempt.
Already the GLM this time around has been a success, even on Winter. I see people all the time in GLM covering practically every part of the GLM. I see people of all ages praxtically telling a story of their current life stage.
I travel to other cities and honestly they don't impress me with their parks, some may have larger parks like Central Park but they just feel like generic, average parks. The GLM in the other hand is a quality park that is safe and not sketchy.
I'm convinced you are just a bad AI chat bot.
Yeah I'm 100% AI bot, if that makes you feel better haha
Seriously, though. The Central Park Mall was very popular when it first opened. It had lots and lots of visitors and activities. And $100s of millions in business investments and renovations either directly or indirectly as a result of the Central Park Mall. It was a catalyst in the transformation of the downtown that existed prior.
How did it renovate the downtown? please be more specific as I'm not as familiar with how the downtown activity was impacted before and after the central park mall. In your opinion, what causes downtown to decline in activity before GLM was renovated again?
He literally just told you...
Yes he did but I also added to be more specific, more details. As well as how downtown went down in activity . Your comment was uncalled for...
I went to high school downtown from 82-85. There was some activity at the Leahy Mall but I don't think a ton of it. I remember kids playing in the water area closest to the library in the summer. It seemed liked for a time it was a popular spot for workers to eat lunch. People used the slides (but with just 2 indentical ones it wasn't like you would keep doing it over and over). We used to grab ice cream at the original Ted and Wallys and do a lap around it on dates.
The thing is, it wasn't really well designed to spend a lot of time at. It did look great for pictures facing west.
it's corny, but I proposed to my wife on the bridge over the lagoon. I'm sad it's not there for that one sentimental reason, but it's better now than it ever thought of being before. The playground alone is well worth the price of admission
I was initially upset they were tearing out the lagoon. As Greg S mentioned, this was an iconic view on postcards showing Omaha's downtown. I'm glad they built a version of the waterway. Adds more character to area.
Also agree...the playground is pretty amazing. My kids were in playground heaven.
.. I was certain you’d be impressed..
