Mysterious googly eyes go viral after appearing on public art in Bend

[cbabe]

https://www.wtol.com/article/features/googly-eyes-bend-oregon/283-f5851dcf-0577-4416-9a79-3b95fa7b6c64

Mysterious googly eyes go viral after appearing on public art in Bend

The city has so far spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures impacted, but some residents say they provide a fun, welcome boost.

Author: Associated Press
Published: 9:15 PM EST December 13, 2024
Updated: 8:02 AM EST December 14, 2024

BEND, Ore. — Googly eyes have been appearing on sculptures around the central Oregon city of Bend, delighting many residents and sparking a viral sensation covered widely by news outlets and featured on a popular late-night talk show.
On social media, the city shared photos of googly eyes on installations in the middle of roundabouts that make up its so-called “Roundabout Art Route.” One photo shows googly eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer, while another shows them attached to a sphere. It's not yet known who has been putting them on the sculptures.

… more … photos at link…

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Save the eyes!

This is funny!!

[cbabe]

2. Thanks for the pic post.👀

[CrispyQ]

3. IMO this is disrespectful to the artist & the community.

Just cuz it's funny & removable doesn't make it right. If the artist wanted googly eyes on their sculpture they would have put them there. Maybe part of the $1500 cost is to make sure the sculptures aren't damaged in the removal process. Why can't people just respect the public space?

[cbabe]

5. Thanks for your perspective. Would be interesting to hear from the artists: the risk of public art when the public takes

an interest.

Waiting for the Interurban
Fremont/Seattle

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/18647785930819867/

[Dennis Donovan]

6. What if the googly eye thing is part of an art exhibit as well?

Isn't it disrespectful to THAT artist to remove them?

[Sneederbunk]

4. Have any drones been spotted in the area?

[Dennis Donovan]

7. Drones with googly eyes? n/t