The bandit’s work is a mix of humor, creativity, and a touch of mischief.
The Mysterious Goggly Eye Bandit
The identity of the “googly eye bandit” remains a mystery, but their work is undeniable. The bandit’s creations have been popping up all over Bend, Oregon, leaving a trail of wonder and curiosity in their wake. The artworks, which were originally created by local artists, have been transformed into something entirely new and unexpected.
The Transformation Process
The transformation process is a fascinating aspect of the googly eye bandit’s work. The bandit takes original artworks, often created by local artists, and adds their signature googly eyes to the pieces. The eyes are usually made of colorful plastic or glass and are attached to the artwork using a variety of methods, including glue, wire, or even 3D printing. The eyes are often oversized and exaggerated, adding to the whimsical nature of the artworks. The bandit’s use of googly eyes has been likened to a form of street art, as it transforms the original artworks into something new and unexpected. The transformation process is often accompanied by a sense of surprise and delight, as the viewer is suddenly confronted with a familiar artwork in a new and unexpected way.
The Artworks
The artworks created by the googly eye bandit are a diverse range of pieces, including:
The Great Eye Debacle: A Cautionary Tale of Art and Maintenance
The city of Chicago has been left with a peculiar problem after a series of street art installations were installed in the city’s public spaces. The installations, which feature large, gleaming steel sculptures with glowing eyes, have been a subject of both admiration and criticism. However, the city’s maintenance team has been left to deal with a rather unexpected issue: the eyes of the sculptures are starting to rust.
The Science Behind the Rust
The rusting of the eyes is a result of the glue used to attach them to the steel sculptures. The glue, which is designed to be waterproof, has a tendency to strip the paint or wax from the steel, leaving it exposed to the elements. Once exposed, the metal can rust, leading to the deterioration of the eyes. The rusting process is accelerated by the presence of moisture, oxygen, and salt in the air. The glue used to attach the eyes is not designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors. The city’s maintenance team has been left to deal with the consequences of the rusting eyes.
The Cost of the Conundrum
The cost of removing the eyes has been significant, with the city spending $1500 to safely remove the rusted eyes. This cost is not only a financial burden but also a logistical challenge, as the eyes are attached to the steel sculptures using a specialized adhesive.
Speaking with the AP, Bend communications director Rene Mitchell softened the city’s stance somewhat. “We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun,” Mitchell said. “We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged… There was no intent to be heavy-handed, and we certainly understand maybe how that was taken. We own this large collection of public art and really want to bring awareness to the community that applying adhesives does harm the art. So as stewards of the collection, we wanted to share that on social media.”
The eyes are a symbol of the “all-seeing” and “all-knowing” nature of the eyes, which is a common theme in many cultures and societies.
The Origins of the Eyes
The concept of the eyes as a symbol has been present in various cultures and societies for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, the eyes were considered sacred and were often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of divine power and wisdom. The Egyptians believed that the eyes held the power to see into the soul and to divine the future. The ancient Greeks also revered the eyes as a symbol of wisdom and insight. They believed that the eyes were the windows to the soul and that they held the power to see into the hearts of men.
The Evolution of the Eyes
The modern concept of the eyes as a symbol has evolved over time, influenced by various cultural and artistic movements. In the early 20th century, the eyes began to appear in comic strips and cartoons, often as a humorous or satirical device. The eyes of Cookie Monster, a beloved character from Sesame Street, are a prime example of this evolution.
Bend police told Oregon Public Broadcasting that there currently is no active investigation into the illegal crafting spree. But the trend of defacing the art does seem to be escalating: One piece was sprayed with graffiti that the city believes will cost $5000 to remove. Read More About Art:
