Nude woman statue in San Francisco causes backlash

The artwork, called R-Evolution, unveiled last week with music, lights and performance art and sponsored by the nonprofit public art organization Illuminate, is designed to glow at night and (apparently) “breathe” through internal motors. The nude female statue is meant to symbolize strength and compassion.

Tượng phụ nữ khỏa thân ở San Francisco gây phản ứng dữ dội- Ảnh 1. — The statue is nearly 14 meters high.

However, the statue has sparked backlash on social media, raising questions about the city's priorities, according to the New York Post .

Sculptor Marco Cochrane originally created the statue for the 2015 Burning Man music and culture festival. The stainless steel statue now sits outside the ferry terminal.

Tượng phụ nữ khỏa thân ở San Francisco gây phản ứng dữ dội- Ảnh 2. — Many San Francisco residents disagree with the statue placement.

While some see the statue as a symbol of empowerment, many San Francisco residents see it as another example of the city getting its meaning wrong.

Heated controversy surrounding nude female statue

Social media exploded after a video by influencer Collin Rugg went viral.

“Nothing says ‘city revitalization’ like a naked female statue,” one person wrote. The statue was erected just a stone’s throw from areas of homelessness, open drug use, and storefronts. While the art world might call it “contrasting,” many residents simply call it “off-key.”

Bruce Lou, the Republican candidate, was blunt in his criticism of the city government: "I don't know where to begin about the city of San Francisco's misguided priorities. It seems like they're focused on everything but the important things."

Tượng phụ nữ khỏa thân ở San Francisco gây phản ứng dữ dội- Ảnh 3. — Social media explodes after influencer video goes viral

John Dennis, former chairman of the San Francisco Republican Party and current chairman of the California Republican Party (CAGOP), offered an even more pointed assessment.

"The city named after Saint Francis is now dominated by an anti-male, feminist agenda. The results speak for themselves. The iconic statue of a giant, naked woman proudly stands as a perfect metaphor for San Francisco today."

The backlash, however, was not limited to conservatives.

In a commentary for KQED, arts editor Sarah Hotchkiss wrote: "No one asked for this. When I look up at this massive steel and mesh sculpture, I feel ashamed for the city of San Francisco. One of the many problems with R-Evolution is that we are all spectators to this piece, and no one asked us if we wanted it."

Sarah's criticism joins a growing voice from San Franciscans questioning why this is considered a priority.

According to the city's latest statistics, there are more than 8,300 people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.

The city plans to spend nearly $690 million on housing and homelessness programs in the coming fiscal year. Homeless encampments remain common in areas like the Tenderloin, SoMa and the Mission.