One person’s work of art is another’s piece of junk. If you mix politics and public money with this “law” of subjective aesthetics in the production of a commemorative statue, the results can be explosive. The most visible case locally is certainly the controversy over the Fallon statue that was commissioned in 1987 but not put on display until recently. An excellent film on the years-long controversy, “The Search for the Captain,” which focuses on this very issue, will be shown on KTEH Channel 54 on Monday night, July 17, at 9 p.m., followed by a panel discussion at 10 p.m.
I have seen this film twice and, while I find the specific issue of the Fallon statue to be an interesting case in point, it’s the larger issue of the nature of public art in general that this incident typifies which should inspire debate. Nothing seems to get people more riled up than public fine and commemorative artworks paid for with their tax dollars that they see as junk, or worse. (I am one of these people myself.) The so-called “pile of dog droppings” in Cesar Chavez Plaza may be the most obvious example, but there are others. (Believe it or not, there are some who like the Quetzalcoatl statue by famous Mexican-American artist Robert Graham.) My particular bugaboo presently is the totem pole pastiche pieces lining Fifth Street, running up to Santa Clara Street. In the context of the new City Hall building, they make the same impression as discarded bubblegum wrappers.
Most people would like to know how these things happen. Put simply, there are appointed selectors/commissioners who decide where, what and how much, and there are the artists who make these pieces. Both have a specific set of responsibilities that should be part of their thought and decision-making processes, but these responsibilities are often shirked. Commissioners rationalize their lack of responsibility in ways such as “he/she is a great artist and should be able to do what they want without our interference.” Unfortunately, then, their responsibility to the citizens they supposedly represent takes a back seat. Sometimes there is nothing worse than an “expert.”
The artists, for their part, should see such work in a different light from what they produce for private clients or gallery showings that people attend voluntarily. (Please note that I say this as an artist myself.) The ubiquitous excuse of “challenging” the public is getting to be a bore and often indicates a poor or immature artist. The public is almost never challenged by these works because those who care are a lot smarter than they get credit for. If artists are not basing their works on principles that the “interested” public has some understanding or knowledge of, they shouldn’t get the job. Artists don’t have to sell out if they are any good in the first place. The best public artists understand that their function is to create something that is interesting, fits into context and is a point of community pride. You can’t please everybody, but you can’t get away with pleasing no one.
I know that some of our readers have expressed the opinion that public money should not be spent on art in the first place. However, it’s a fact that a percentage of all public-works project budgets must be spent on art by law, and there is really no chance that this is going to change—and it shouldn’t. Therefore, it’s the selection process and the aesthetic nature of public art itself that we must focus on, and this is a debate I hope to keep up over the coming weeks on this site, along with a few invited guest columnists.
In the meantime, don’t forget to tune in to “The Search for the Captain,” and feel free to comment on it below in due course.
“The Search for the Captain” is a well done documentary. The part of the Fallon controversey that no one seemed to really understand is that the selection of the statue was based on a historical event that took place in the area of the Fairmont, the raising of the American flag was such an event. It was not Tom McEnery just deciding to erect a statue in honor of Fallon. I could go on an on about this, I attended every meeting regarding Fallon and have often thought of writing a pamphlet titled “The Fate of Fallon.” It was a done deal prior to the end of the committee meetings. The selection of committee members was a somewhat carefully executed, I recall one member was not even a United States citizen, he was selected over Dr. John DeVencenzi, a well known professor of art at San Jose State. I applied to be a member of the committee, but was turned down; actually I felt I was in better company with Dr. DeVencenzi. Most of you probably missed the city council meeting prior to the committee meetings, it was one to be remembered, an Aztec dance was performed which in essence was a declaration of war if Fallon were erected. Later that summer, a friend and I witnessed a ceremonial dance with oil in Plaza park. I asked the parking attendants at the Fairmont if they’d ever seen anything like that before, no they hadn’t. Then I asked the woman that appeared to be the leader of the group what they were doing; she said they were “practicing.” Note, this was at night, ceremonial oils were used on the grass; they had a photographer there too. I tried getting a camera at the Fairmont, but the gift store was closed. My friend is quoted in “The Search for the Captain,” look for her, she’s very versed on this topic.
The only thing that the opposition had going for them was that the decision to erect Fallon was done without process, but that was prior to process being in effect.
And, after that, when process was in effect, it was not correctly followed for the erection of the turd. I remember phoning David Pandori on that issue at home on a Sunday morning. David was then our 3rd District council person. One point of interest that all of you may not be aware of is that there was definite opposition to that statue from many members of the Hispanic community. In fact, many who opposed Fallon, also opposed Quetzequatal.
WW, thanks for the great info. I have not seen the film yet and intend to watch on Monday. Seems the anti-Fallon noisemakers lost sight of the obvious. San Jose is part of the United States of America, NOT MEXICO, NOT TENOCHTITLAN, but the U.S.A. A Fallon-esque piece is absolutely appropriate for any prominent park or plaza anywhere in the U.S. Quetzalcoatl would be much more appropriate at some Mexico City Metro station—underground in particular so nobody has to see it unless they’re riding the subway.
I DO know that if I were a Hispanic I would not want any part of the turd being prominently displayed as a celebration of my culture. The only satisfaction I get out of the turd is that it was SJ’s answer to the agitators who sought to keep Fallon out of the Plaza. Like, OK, you don’t want Fallon, then you’re going to get a pile of crap instead—enjoy.
Jack, you couldn’t have sized up that ridiculous “parade of floats” on 5th St. better. Please go check out the equally shoddy mess across from the arena devoted to local ice skating notables and provide us with your assessment sometime.
Excuse me but has anyone other than me heard the other canine derived names for the Cesar Chavez memorial by the McEnery Convention center?
Public art has a long way to go, especially in San Jose, though I must admit, San Jose has come a long wayin the past few decades. Taking itself seriously is now almost justified.
“Most of you probably missed the city council meeting prior to the committee meetings, it was one to be remembered, an Aztec dance was performed which in essence was a declaration of war if Fallon were erected. Later that summer, a friend and I witnessed a ceremonial dance with oil in Plaza park.”
Thanks for sharing Wonder Woman – that is *great* stuff. Do you know if there is a video recording of that council session by chance?
A while back I suggested (partly in jest) that at Cesar Chavez park:
“Every Friday night at the north end, stage mock virgin sacrifices on a giant altar with Aztec priests dressed as Quetzie, giant fires, and everything.”
Your info shows once again that truth is stranger than fiction.
I don’t think any of us truly appreciates the quantity or quality of the moonbats in our midst.
Your welcome # 2, I often feel that we are living in a town with trepidation about raising our own flag.
Does anyone know what is destined for the spot originally designated for Fallon. The triangular cement has been there for years. I wish it could be something that represented all cultures now living here, something universal, but under our flag. That will never happen. Who knows, maybe with Reed it could.
Has anyone ever noticed the bronze coyotes placed by Guadalupe River, I often thought they should be in the vicinity of the Coyote River???
#4 Tom McEnery was mayor then, he should know if there are recordings. I would have gone prepared, but who would think something like that would be allowed to take place. The chambers was packed, really quite a night. McEnery was great, just took all the negative comments, showed a lot of patience. Of course, my mother, probably in her 80’s said to one woman, “If you don’t like it here, why don’t you just go back.” She was seated on my left, another friend, FC was on my right saying, “I need a drink.”
One of the major Fallon opponets was Kathy DiNapoli, she later opposed the turd.
Jack—GREAT piece on public art. On THE TURD, I knew some members of the original committee that hired Graham and thought they were getting something entirely different. There were even drawings presented of a more appropriate piece. But the politicians and bureaucrats intervened and went with what Graham decided he wanted to do. The committee was outraged at the fact their time and effort had been wasted, and that the piddly piece, for the same money as a more grandiose statue, was a robbery of tax money. Bet there are some letters to the editor from the committee in the Murky’s morgue. George Green
Search For The Captain is a well-crafted point of view documentary. I am glad that KTEH is airing it. While I enjoyed seeing the film at Cinequest it’s good to see it reaching a larger audience.
I will be interested to see who they have on the follow-up panel discussion. Too bad it’s only a half hour discussion, but the 10:30 show “Cats Without A Home” is, no doubt, of significant local importance.
The panel will consist of:
Louise Pencavel – moderator
Stanley Underdal – SJSU
Javier Salazar – Aztlan Academy
Barb Marshman – Merc News Associate Editor – Opinions Page
Ben Miyaji – former Arts Commissioner & AC Chairperson
The Village Blacksmith should contribute to this piece—Gil—step up.
Can anyone tell me what % of the public art budget goes to the acquisition and maintenance (I doubt there’s any; e.g. fading of Rainbow Man outside SJMA) of public art versus paying the bureaucrats that administer this money?
There are accepted criteria for what % of donated funds to nonprofits goes to acquisition of funds and administration versus the amount that goes to the charity itself. Are there any such criteria re public art?
I attended the premier of “The Search for the Captain” at Cinequest, and I received the impression that the published “Fallon Journal” was legitimate. This does not appear to be the case:
Source: http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/03.16.05/fly-0511.html
Don’t mind if I do step up JMO. Thanks for the invite. Political Public Art happens to be my favorite subject, even more so than angry latinos and politcally correct sucking up ones.
As I’ve stated to Tom, had it not been for the Fallon Statue, we would not have The Graham Plastic Snake. Yep, it’s all Tommy’s fault.
I happen to know that it was not that easy a deal for Tom to slam the Fallon thru.
However when the sculpture emerged, it was met with such an outburst that a deal was cut. I kinda went like this. A group of politically correct hispnic lead by Blanca got together and cut a deal for 4 gateway sculptures, Gore Park Street Scapes got screwed on that wonderful piece. The plastic Snake got 75% of the 500 thousand up front. It was originally to be a tee pee with a ball on top. I know, we quoted the bronze job originally in a collaboration.
Once these were in place the placated hispanics would tolerate the Fallon. Or so we were told.
It was so much fun to watch the parade of folks that wanted to play the game. Ron made the supreme sacrifice and in stalled the Fallon, OOPS
One does not take a perfectly good Aztec God and reduce this God to be called a Plastic TURD, Dog Poop, etc.
The course of Quetzalqualtal has decended upon our City.
Think back. The Plaque was misspelled, the Merc called it a 2000 lb sculpture. This plastic $500,000.00 snake only weighted perhaps 200 lbs. The cement pedestal was 2000 lbs of cement.
Then things really started to go wrong.
Look at us now. Having crazy stuff like digging up Frank Taylor Palm Trees to make way for a race where no one passes one another, .COM .GON, Abel Cota and the Mayor playing the race card. Remember, Opus on Us. The no name second guy in the Fallon sculpture. Yea Tom what about that guy? Nor Cal, Arrests, shooting down town, The end of the Mercury News. Peggy Sues moving to Campbell, Shit!
Bart going no where. No A’s Baseball Stadium. Misspelled signs in Arizona spring training,dam! Yahoo to Santa Clara. Henrys Hilife flooding!
Yep, thats the price we’re paying for the political dealing of our politicions trying to out do one another for arts sake. Tom, Blanca, Mr. Spratt, there is but one answer to what will save the cty and rid the course of Quetalqualtal. Because it is plastic , the UV Rays of the sun will ultimately destroy it. Some little kid will fall thru this hollow plastic snake, and never be see again.
It must be appeased by moving it to a new location, a place where the sun don’t shine.
Shit Happens , Remember That.
I’m on my way to lay some corn at it’s base. It’s on sale at Safeway 20 ears for 5 bucks. I suggest you do the same Ron, Cindy, Manny, Primo, Nora, Joe, Hilbert, Fernando Z. Victor, Pete C, Tom, Blanca, Susan, Able, Val, stop me when I get to 20 ears. John Michael, you might concider doing the same. It might improve your golf scores. Or just scores!!!!!!!
That’s what I love about our Village, never a dull GOD. Top that San Francisco!!
Gilly
#7—Yes, the original design of Quetzequatal was suppose to be more linear. Rumor was that Graham was ticked because of a former art deal with the city and the turd was the payback. That’s rumor, I do not know that for fact.
#13—The Gateway sculptures were legit, the turd was not, it was bamboozled through.
Would you have approved of another representation of the American flag being raised the the vicinity of the Fairmont? The bottom line about Fallon is that he represented Mexico ceding California to the United States after the Mexican War in 1848. Remember, California was originally a Spanish colony until 1822 when it was under control of Mexico, only 26 yrs. as part of Mexico.
How many of you were there for the installation of Fallon? That was another event. The rent a mob was picketing, some were uttering their displeasure as Gonezo was giving his speech.
If anyone wants to get the unfiltered view of the Fallon opposition they should check out http://www.aztlanacademy.org It is very illuminating and people no longer have to assume the intentions of the Fallon opposition.
Their view point can not be taken anymore seriously than one would take a view point of the KKK. Anyone who buckeled under to people of this extreme belief system is indeed in need of a backbone.
Ken, that is a well stated and concise assessment of what’s been wrong with the leadership in this town for a number of decades and unfortunately there’s no sign of change regardless of who ends up as mayor. Welcome to the Capital of Alta California everybody, where the ignorant agitators run the show.
#15 – Ken,
I looked at the site, but did not notice any referance to Fallon. I assume there is a referance on it someplace, otherwise your post makes no sense. Can you please provide the link to the Fallon issue?
Thanks.
#18, Click on the URL then once the site is up after a few seconds look at the top of the home page and it’ll be flashing. You can’t miss it.
#19 Ken
Duh!! If it was a snake (god) it would have bit me. Thanks.
Looks like Tom McEnery, and others, have some explaining to do in regard to why they falsified data in regard to Fallon, or that site has some explaining to do why they posted mistakes. Both sides cannot be right.
Mark T, you might try a little corn your self. It might appease that nasty “above us all” attitude of yours.
I was there at the detarping of the Fallon. I took many rolls of film of the Gonezo drama. The one thing missing was the guy that created the contrversy. Tom!
I also took photos of the last days of Pellier Park.
The usual suspects were on hand, with signs representing their feeling. The other side of the debate folks were dressed in the clothing of the period.
Everyone was well behaved. One can only muse at the reasons Gonezo, had to take the Bull by the Horns, oops, sorry that was the other gateway sculptures.
Like I said in my previous post, Shit Happens, and in this case it, DID.
Political art happens. It will continue to happen. But with out it we could not enjoy these moments of clarity, that seem to escape us when politics happen behing closed doors.
Like Emporer Norton, of San Francisco fame we are starting to build a legacy of characters as powerful and legendary as our mentors to the North.
Some day we will be sitting back laughing like hell at all of this. Excuse me while I have a little chuckle here.
We’re are the solution, not Tom, Susan,
Ron.
Guess who was on the committe to erect the todoms in front of the ironicly called
Stain- less steel City Hall? That should be public record!
There’s a great book here.
Have a great Sunday! We.re having corn today at our barbeque hike and laughing all the way to Franklin Point.
Gilly
Though I don’t think the Fallon or the Quetzacoatl are the most beautiful works of art in San Jose, I do think they are two of the most important. Anything that gets us talking about process, art and history is a good thing. Look at all of the good that came out of Javier and co.speaking out. Tom’s daughter made a very good film, and Tom now provides all citizens with a venue to speak our minds, right here on San Jose Inside. I think Tom partly may have started SJI just to prove Javier and co. wrong, when they said Tom didn’t care about what they had to say.
All – As always the serious look at our history gets complicated by a lot of nonsense. Just view the documentary on Channel 54, the panel, and the Aztlan Academy web site, and I believe that you will have more of your questions answered. Oh, and you can get my book, “California Cavalier”, if you want a bit of fun and a feeling of the time of Captain Fallon.
TMcE
Anybody happen to catch the KTEH ‘panel’ discussion after the “Search for the Captain”?
What a bust.
Never have I seen a group (with the exception of Javier Salazar) of people so paralyzed with political correctness that they were afraid to even say the word ‘mexican’.
Instead of discussing the issues and facts, the ‘panel’ quickly ducked down a side alley and papered over the hijacking of the Fallon statue by a few ‘activists’ as a ‘process’ problem.
The chances for interesting public art that can survive the plethora of PC litmus tests here at lunacy Ground Zero? Nada.
Eliminate the public art budget, cut our losses, and be done with it.
Very good documentary, which I just watched on KTEH. Rather tilted (which I say not in an accusatory manner) in the direction of the pro-statue camp, but that’s no surprise given the writer/director’s personal connections—which she discloses emphatically—and she made an effort to show an opposing view, although it appears her last name might have scared off the countering speakers.
WOW, Tom What a great and funny film! Too bad you did not include more of the “real” community activists. I would have loved an excerpt of Felix Alvarez verses Fernando Zuezata, or Yolanda Renolds verses the direct desendent, Mrs. Martinez. Mr Idallis and Frank Fiscailini verses Gil Sanches architect. Dean Monroe verses The Village Black Smith.
Rigo Chacon interviewed me at length at the detarping of the Fallon. KGO must have some footage of that interview. I would have loved a few rounds with Dean Monrow about process and bronzes.
I was pleased to see my photograph, of the colorerful male and female Aztec dancers with You and Frank Taylor in the back round dancing at the City Council Meeting. What was not shown was the other photo I loaned you of the old Gentleman yelling” Mr Mayor, I want the meeting to come to an end so we Americans can have a chance to speak”.
I think it’s time to belly up to the mia culpa rail. That goes for everyone!
I would have loved to seen and heard Susan Hammer’s reasons for not taking charge in this Fallonization of our City. Why Ron?
This issue has not a dam thing to do with an Italian hunk of bronze.
We all know that.
What is of interest, is that we have had within our city a great flux of villagers that in the distant past even resorted to mob lynchings. God knows what else. Times have changed.
What an exciting evening. What next?
There is a plus to this Tom. When this sculpture was pushed thru, copper was probably 60 cents a lb. at the price of copper today $3.75 per lb. that makes your sculpture 6+ times more valuable. Not a bad investment. When copper goes to 4.60 per lb. you’ll have to post a sentery at Pellier Park.
Which is more than I can say for ole plastic
Quetzy Qutie.
Thanks for taking my mind off the the horrors of our wars, minute men mentalities and the demise of the ranches thru out Salinas and San Juaquin Valleys with out farm workers.
Political art will not cease to become. It’s simply wonderful to have an open dialoge about the realities of this common occurance. The supporting members are the most interesting to analize.
When our Village is quiet, is when it is the loudest.
Remember the curse! More corn for Quetzy Qutie, cause Sh*t Happens!!!
The Village Black Smith
#24—Gil Hernandez—Aside from Captain Fallon would you have supported any type of statue that included the American flag in then Plaza Park? Would you support this symbol of The United States today? If not, explain.
Tom,
My post had 5025 charcters.25 more than you will accept. kindly wack off the last great paragraph abou the mayor and post.
The Fire Art’s Council of Alta Californio.
Sorry Wonder woman, I really had you covered. Gil Hernandez.
One of San Jose’s biggest problems is that it lacks respect for its past. San Jose has always stood in the shadows of San Francisco. For over thirty years San Jose showed its lack of pride in its heritage by destroying block after block of its historic resources. Then along came a mayor that said it is time to turn this sinking ship around. He tried to give us something in our heritage that we could be proud of. Despite the fact that he was earlier involved in saving the Peralta Adobe (San Jose’s single most important building from the Spanish and Mexican periods) he was personally attacked for not caring about our hispanic heritage. Sure the process could have been better, but at that time there was no good process inplace. In hind site, I’m sure Tom could have done some things differently, but he did more to celebrate our rich heritage than any before or after.
Since all of this exploded, we have been gun shy. San Jose has a rich history and it’s story should be told. We need to reproduce the Statehouse in Cesar Chavez Park ( there is no real representation that we were ever Californias first capitol), reproduce the jusgado on Post St. (San Jose’s first city hall), reproduce the light tower on Market St. (cut off the top to meet FAA requirements). Look what reproducing the Alamo did for San Antonio. Since the Fallon debate, only one important public art piece commemorating a controversial event,has been built in San Jose. That is the Black Power statue at SJSU.
It is time we show the rest of the world that San Joseans are proud of who we are, warts and all!
One of the most microcosm-esque moments during the “Search for the Captain” was the heated exchange between the 2 men where 1 was accusing the other of being a racist – twas truly classic.
Getting this kind of insight into the mind of the average moonbat on the street is definitely must see TV. I suggest there should be a whole series of local “Search for” sequels.
“Search for Quetzie”
“Search for Moonbats”
“Search for Ethics”
I guess you will not get to read my post of 5025 characters, Wonder Woman.
You will have to buy my manuscript.
I will say this to you. The Flag that flies over our land is not a prop, for use or enhancement to an artist. Nor are Aztec Gods.
I feel I speak for all of the sevice men that have served our great country. The Flag flies proud in our hearts. There is little else one can take into battle. It is a symbol of everything that awaits us upon our return.
Your question leaves me wanting to help you understand. All of this political art speak is just BS.
I am not a fan of politicians getting involved with Public Sculptures. Our present situation already flogged to death is a prime example.
The only politcian’s art I would embrace, is their very own creations. For me to want to own such a piece, it would have to speak to me, in the languege of the artist.
You really should come out of your closet. It’s wonderful out here. What could they do to you that they haven’t already done to themselves.
Thanks Tom, this site has been a cleasing pool for many. I sleep very well these days. Our Village is healing.
Lew Wolff said it All, “I will never be silent again”.
The Village Black Smith
Fire Arts Council