Bag it and ship it back to the sculptor…
…Gerald Sawyer, who maybe is hiding in the bushes considering a career change.
We’re talking about the Bronze Fonz. Last year, I did some online research seeking images of this artist’s work and it took only a few minutes to determine he must surely be a graduate of the Hallmark School of Sappy Sculpture.
The Journal/Sentinel’s Jim Stingl has a hilarious take on who folks think the Fonz-thing resembles, and from what I’ve perused, it sure isn’t Fonzie. Remarks range from Christopher Walken (quite a few votes), Howdy-Doody, Liberace, and Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan (though Donovan deserves better). I wonder if Fonzie himself was disappointed in what is a laughing-stock attempt?
We have worse in town, but not by much. Milwaukee has tons of bad sculpture. Gertie The Duck is one. Any others? Sure, lots of them. I hate to diss Father Marquette, but the bronze sculpture of him standing on Marquette University’s campus makes him look like a 60s hippie blowin’ in the wind. The Betty Brinn museum has a gaggle of sculpted kids on the east side of the building that should also be placed somewhere near the top of the list for wretched art. But, will the Bronzie be a popular place to have your photo snapped? Sure.
