crying over the leaking water Photo

Photographer’s Note

This photo happens to become today's post... one of the reasons: there is no photo of this statue on TE.
Nothing special to say about this "crying person" which I saw in one of Fribourg's main streets.

I've seen other photos of the statue on the Net - taken from a different POV, but there was no information about this statue: why it stands there, who is its author...

The photo was taken with a flash because it was rather dark at this place.
===================================================
!! UPDATE !! as of 09.09.2009

Finally I've managed to find information about this statue! :)
Suddenly I thought to look for the info in French, not in English, and I found it on a Swiss website dedicated to Fribourg.

A special thanks to Ulf for finding the information for me in English! :)

"The curiously named Trinkwasser statue was created in 2003 for the 20th series of Belluard Bollwerk International.

It is the work of Lucerne born Franziska Koch (b.1966), who lives in Zurich and is known as a video artist. The sculpture is located in a commercial street and attracts the attention of many pedestrians.

The woman is dressed in a hooded jacket, carrying a basket and crying, the tears flowing to the gutter. The realism is enhanced by the outstanding attention to detail and the use of clothes coated in epoxy. The artist has used the face of a friend disappointed in love.

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Here is the info in French from the Swiss website:

"C'est une petite femme, toute grise, d'allure bien modeste, vêtue d'une veste à capuchon et de robustes souliers, portant un cabas et dont les larmes intarissables vont se perdre dans le caniveau.

Ce qui frappe, c'est l'hyperréalisme de l'oeuvre qui révèle le souci du moindre détail (on y voit même les coutures des habits) et la fragilité du personnage. L'artiste a modelé son oeuvre à partir d'une poupée ancienne et de vêtements durcis dans une résine d'époxy.

Elle a en outre moulé le visage et les mains de son amie qui vivait un pénible chagrin d'amour ... Trinkwasser (eau potable) est le nom, à la fois surprenant et peut-être ironique de l'oeuvre de cette artiste zurichoise, connue comme vidéaste.

Elle a été réalisée dans le cadre du 20ème Belluard Bollwerk International."

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Info about the shot:
ISO-400; Focal Length: 18mm; Exposure Program: Manual.

ktanska, macondo, Kielia, UlfE, serp2000, skippy007, maloutim trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

ktanska (16695) 2009-09-09 2:09

Hi Elena,
Cry me a river... I like the way water is used as an extra element on this. Water on pavement works as an extension to the statue. Also on the coat it adds contrast to the light toned material.
Your wide framing works well showing unhurried looking daily life there.
Kari

mortijo (12350) 2009-09-09 3:18

I don't know what the statue represents, but it sure needs a clean up. The photo is well framed and gives a quite daily life view of the city.
Have a nice day
John

jplebrun (17230) 2009-09-09 4:56

Bonjour Elena
photo original de cette statue qui est située en plein milieu de la place et qui semble attendre quelqu'un pour partir.
Amitiés
Jean-Pierre

mafegan (4399) 2009-09-09 5:07

Hello Elena
A well as showing us this most unusual statue you are showing us little of daily life in Fribourg. I can't say I have ever seen a statue such as this before - wouldn't be allowed here in Brisbane with our tight water restrictions. Tfs, Marlene

macondo (13211) 2009-09-09 6:00

Hi Elena.
Strange statue/sculpture here, in your well composed shot. Perhaps, as it looks like a young person with a shopping bag from a department store, it represents consumerism? I wonder if there is any irony in the 'Christ' sign behind. I have never been to Fribourg and can't answer your question. The water is a bit of a puzzle, but one thing is for sure - it has made the statue rather dirty. Anyway, your photo is interesting, and a good daily life shot in fact. I'm glad it has a tree in it!
Regards,
Andrew

mottois (270) 2009-09-09 10:26

Hello Elena,
That's an interesting statue. Is the water really coming from the eyes ? I know why she is crying, look around, nobody pay any attention to her (except you !)
You did a good shoot.

Best regards

Jean-Pierre (comming back after 45 days in a world without any easy web access !)

Kielia (8629) 2009-09-09 10:29

Hi Elena,
your low POV works excellently on this interesting statue. You have found a nice title! Also for me it would be nice to know some more details on this artwork because there must be a hidden agenda behind it that is not yet revealed with me. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

siamesa (13142) 2009-09-09 10:55

Hi Elena

It must have a history. At least it is a different and sad statue.Maybe you can discover what history is behind it. TFS
Abraços
maria

saxo042 (16096) 2009-09-09 11:53

Hi Elena,
Quite a peculiar statue! Or maybe you are pulling our legs here, is this really a statue? Maybe it is one of those mime artists you see in all big cities, dressed up like statues and onlu moving when someone gives them money. Perhaps his bottle in the shopping bag was broken... Whatever, a very interesting picture with many different interpretations;-)
Kind regards
Gunnar

UlfE (9078) 2009-09-09 12:23

Hi Elena,

A very unusual and funny statue. I difficult to know what is the idea behind the water. Nevertheless it works well and you have taken an exciting shot of it I am sure that someone knows what it is. A could idea to put the question in TE. TFS and have a nice evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

P.S. I made a quick search on the internet. Have a look at: http://www.aswitzerlandattraction.com/switzerland-attractions-ah/crying-woman-sculpture.htm

toto (18755) 2009-09-09 14:17

Bonsoir,
belle photo de cette presque sculpture, belle prise d' un mime de toute beauté et bien saisit.
Certaine personnes ont du etre saisit elle même quand elle l' aurons vu bouger.
Jolies couleurs et belle restitution, c' est comme si on y était.
Statue ou mime tel est la question.
Sans lire la note, le doute était possible tellement la prise est bonne.

Amitiés Thomas

AKITA (5479) 2009-09-09 19:20

dear Elena,
maybe this statue already becomes one common element or fragment of the view there,
it looks being left alone in the crowd on the street, in spite of its eye catching and curious figure...never stopping of the overflowing tears, that changed the surface color dark.
it is really one symbol of modern individual, the idea of sculptor is severe...
but all statues are like "Happy Prince" in the tale, its tears must wash out someone's grief, in my feeling.
and your capturing is natural to show its presence in the city,
thank you,
Akihisa

Longroute (9669) 2009-09-10 2:30

At the beginning I had thought it was one of those street performers who imitate a statue. Very realistic indeed!
The vertical format is suitable here with the tree matching the statue and the people in the street creating a chromatic contrast. Well framed and achieved.

Have a nice day,
Donato

bukitgolfb301 (4850) 2009-09-10 2:45

Hello my dear Elena

What an amazing and unique shot.
Good and stable framework and sharp focusing as usual.
But this is quite rare and unique statue, every time some water leak a little in order to express leaking?
Congratulation on your masterpiece.
Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Have a Good day !

Takero

rodgerg (24677) 2009-09-10 3:40

Hello Elena,

Superb image with an excellent contrast between the attitude of the white man and the attitueds of the anothers peopels in the BG. Frami,ng and POV very well selecetd, details well colected.
Best regards,
Roger

serp2000 (9637) 2009-09-10 11:10

Äîáðûé âå÷åð, Åëåíà,
Êàæäîå âàøå ôîòî òóò - ñîáûòèå.Â òîì ÷èñëå, áëàãîäàðÿ äîïîëíèòåëüíîé èíôîðìàöèè. Ìîè ïîçäðàâëåíèÿ!
Èíòåðåñíàÿ êîíöåïöèÿ!
Äîáðîé íî÷è!
Ñåðãåé

John_F_Kennedy (31865) 2009-09-10 23:50

Hello,
Wonderful shot. A great piece of streer photography captured excellent. Love the colours.
Best wishes,
Achim

Urs (3116) 2009-09-11 4:59

Dear Elena

Good use of flash and great effort to find out the history behind the statue. Congrats. As I have not been back to my native Switzerland for more then two decades, I was at a loss like you when I saw your picture. Fine sharpness and DOF, well done

Best regards
Urs

AiresSantos (42686) 2009-09-14 2:02

Hi Elena
Fine picture with the statue of the "crying person"
Excellent perspective and sharpness
Thanks for the note and sharing it
Have a nice week
Aires

skippy007 (7257) 2009-09-23 4:46

Hello Elena, When I first saw this before reading your note I thought it was one of those street entertainers but this is far more interesting, thanks to your note & the contribution of others. The sad expression on her face is well captured in good detail & light. I like the way you included the daily life around it, also noticed the signs Aquadolce & Christ, interesting.
Nice scene, natural colours & excellent clarity.
Thanks
Regards
Santo

Photo Information

Copyright: Elena Su (fanni) (8761)
Genre: Lieux
Medium: Couleur
Date Taken: 2009-07-14
Categories: Vie quotidienne, Architecture, Oeuvres d'art
Camera: Canon EOS 450D, Canon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS, Kenko Pro1D Circular PL(W) 58m
Exposition: f/7.0, 1/49 secondes
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Versions: version originale
Date Submitted: 2009-09-09 1:34