San Leandro's statue of naked woman designed at Burning Man 'to promote gender equality'

A towering statue of a naked woman which promotes gender equality in California is the centre of controversy. Standing at 55-foot high in a technology business park the sight was meant to highlight sexual crimes against women around the world.

A towering statue of a naked woman which promotes gender equality in California is the centre of controversy.

Standing at 55-foot high in a technology business park the sight was meant to highlight sexual crimes against women around the world. 

The 13,000 pound statue — roughly three times as tall as Michelangelo's David — is made of steel mesh in the form of a graceful dancer, with an arched back and arms stretched overhead. 

Written in 10 languages on the statue are the words: 'What would the world be like if women were safe?'

Standing at 55-foot high in a technology business park the sight was meant to highlight sexual crimes against women around the world

Standing at 55-foot high in a technology business park the sight was meant to highlight sexual crimes against women around the world

The 13,000 pound statue is made of steel mesh in the form of a graceful dancer

The 13,000 pound statue is made of steel mesh in the form of a graceful dancer

The debate is not over its artistic merit but whether it's appropriate in public.

Mother Tonette Watts, 57, stopped and stared at the statue on her way to work. She doesn't want her children to see the work, she said: 'If she's a ballerina, she should have some clothes on. If you've got kids you do not want them seeing that.'

Another parent, Keith Verville, 48, studied the sculpture and then asked: 'Why is it so big? And SO not clothed?'

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The statue, named 'Truth is Beauty,' is on private property at the edge of the business in a popular location near San Leandro's rail station.

Many people, including city officials, have welcomed the statue as a reflection of the changing demographics in the city where young millennials now outnumber older residents.

Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter praised the statue, she said: 'This is something I'd never have thought would come to San Leandro. It's edgy and modern, and it makes me proud.'

Many people, including city officials, have welcomed the statue as a reflection of the changing demographics in the city

Many people, including city officials, have welcomed the statue as a reflection of the changing demographics in the city

The statue debuted in 2013 at Burning Man, the annual counterculture celebration in the Nevada desert. 

It was then bought by developers of the complex, for a price they haven't disclosed, under a requirement by the city to include public art at the site.

Cutter said some city officials initially weren't thrilled by the choice but ultimately liked the idea of starting a conversation about art. The mayor says the statue sends a powerful message of female strength that's more apparent when seen up close.

The sculptor, Marco Cochrane, says he was marked as a child by the rape of a neighborhood friend and tries through art to bring attention to sexual assault and to the fear of many women, but also to the strength women feel when not afraid.

He said: 'She feels safe and she is loving herself in that moment, and hopefully people can feel that feeling. 

'It's a beautiful woman, and part of it is to draw men in. Then they look down and see the message and they go, 'Ohhhh.' I hope that happens thousands of times.'

As word spreads about the statue, it's becoming a popular selfie spot.   

 

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