View Full Version : Wayne Coyne wants to piss off/on Automobile Alley



BBatesokc
05-03-2012, 08:17 AM
Well symbolically anyway.

http://www.news9.com/story/18021625/flaming-lips-singer-wants-controversial-painting-outside-okc-gallery

I originally didn't like the building exterior art at all. I'm now of the opinion its fine and does add some character, just not my taste. I don't think the ****** doors are appropriate but are still fairly abstract so, who cares.

The proposed sign though is tasteless and I think should not be used IMO. Hang it inside if you want, but I really don't wanna see it hanging above the street.

But, I guess I'm just not cool enough to get it.

CuatrodeMayo
05-03-2012, 08:30 AM
I really don't care either way in this case, but I am very curious to see where the "boundary" is in downtown OKC.

Just the facts
05-03-2012, 08:45 AM
This sign is going nowhere. It is kind of a shame that people try to push this kind of thing to do nothing more than create controversey. The world has enough drama going on, we don't need has-been hippy rockers going on a freakout trying to create additional drama. Wayne - your schtick is old. We have real problems in the world we don't need your fake manufactured problems.

king183
05-03-2012, 09:08 AM
This is actually hilarious in how terrible and contrived the piece of art is. I like Wayne a lot, but this is just silly, this old schock tactic. JTF is right: the schtick is overdone. I don't think the "sign" is appropriate for Automobile Alley, but if it goes up, people are just going to scoff at it and ignore it as they do most pieces of trite, irrelevant art.

Spartan
05-03-2012, 09:36 AM
Can we get a uh name change for the thread?

Spartan
05-03-2012, 09:45 AM
Well symbolically anyway.

http://www.news9.com/story/18021625/flaming-lips-singer-wants-controversial-painting-outside-okc-gallery

I originally didn't like the building exterior art at all. I'm now of the opinion its fine and does add some character, just not my taste. I don't think the ****** doors are appropriate but are still fairly abstract so, who cares.

The proposed sign though is tasteless and I think should not be used IMO. Hang it inside if you want, but I really don't wanna see it hanging above the street.

But, I guess I'm just not cool enough to get it.

Brian, your friends make some good points in the comments:
http://www.news9.com/story/18021625/flaming-lips-singer-wants-controversial-painting-outside-okc-gallery

BBatesokc
05-03-2012, 10:17 AM
Brian, your friends make some good points in the comments:
http://www.news9.com/story/18021625/flaming-lips-singer-wants-controversial-painting-outside-okc-gallery

How would I or anyone else know if people commenting at News9 were my 'friends'? Simply because someone agrees or disagrees with my opinion does not qualify or disqualify them as my friend.

Personally, I stopped reading comments below news stories long ago because I imagine if I met most of those people in person I probably would not give their opinion(s) an ounce of credit so why would I start when they are 100% anonymous. At least within this forum the participants develop credibility (or lack thereof).

Also, what's wrong with the title of this thread? The 'art' is being described as a woman urinating. Thread title reads accurate to me on multiple levels.

hoya
05-03-2012, 11:05 AM
How is this different from people walking around in t-shirts that show Calvin peeing on a Texas Longhorn?

OKCTalker
05-03-2012, 11:07 AM
It's not that far from this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piss_Christ

Spartan
05-03-2012, 11:13 AM
How would I or anyone else know if people commenting at News9 were my 'friends'? Simply because someone agrees or disagrees with my opinion does not qualify or disqualify them as my friend.

Personally, I stopped reading comments below news stories long ago because I imagine if I met most of those people in person I probably would not give their opinion(s) an ounce of credit so why would I start when they are 100% anonymous. At least within this forum the participants develop credibility (or lack thereof).

Also, what's wrong with the title of this thread? The 'art' is being described as a woman urinating. Thread title reads accurate to me on multiple levels.

A better thread title would be: Wayne Coyne proposes controversial signage with naked woman urinating

Here are some of the comments on the News9 site:

"Hey, Wayne Coyne, take your so-called "art" to Berkeley where it'll be MUCH more appreciated and quit trying to turn our town into Gomorrah, OK"

"Well, the painting itself lacks symmetry and proportion. Artistic skill, minimal."

"it's beyond me how this freak is riding this high in okc. Mick should have adopted Toby Keith instead of this freak show. flaming lips? seriously? how in the he11 did this happen? the flaming lips in OKC is kinda of like pecante sauce made in NYC. they need to relocate to the left coast. please go."

"freak, take the bands name down off our street, we're not proud of these weirdos"

"I don't really care. But to call Wayne a genius just shows how stupid the person claiming that is. He is a LOUSY visual artist and a scummy muscian that makes nothing but noise. The sooner he assumes room temperatrure the better. He is a boil on the buttocks of the city and outside of OK is considered in the music world as a trash head."

"No thank you to that trash!! Get some REAl ART!!"

Spartan
05-03-2012, 11:14 AM
(Judging from comments) So you're either pro-Gomorrah or anti-Gomorrah.

I'll be pro, I think (after reading those comments)

Spartan
05-03-2012, 11:20 AM
Well, Netherlands is definitely Gomorrah.

hoya
05-03-2012, 11:24 AM
It's not that far from this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piss_Christ

Oh? Where's the religious symbolism in Coyne's artwork?

Bellaboo
05-03-2012, 12:25 PM
(Judging from comments) So you're either pro-Gomorrah or anti-Gomorrah.

I'll be pro, I think (after reading those comments)

If you're under 30 and over 50, probably pro, otherwise anti.

Spartan
05-03-2012, 12:27 PM
Oh? Where's the religious symbolism in Coyne's artwork?

Gomorrah gomorrah gomorrah!!

jedicurt
05-03-2012, 12:33 PM
is it bad that i oppose this sign not because of the naked woman urinating but because of the Robot riding a Unicorn???

Edit: upon further inspection... perhaps it is Pegasus, and not a unicorn... in which case, makes me oppose it even more! Robots on Horses is an abomination!

kevinpate
05-03-2012, 12:39 PM
... Robots on Horses is an abomination!

The rest of the sign appears to concur

Just the facts
05-03-2012, 12:40 PM
It must be nice to be a 1%er where all your problems are self-manufactured. That dude must be seriously self-absorbed.

Spartan
05-03-2012, 12:44 PM
It must be nice to be a 1%er where all your problems are self-manufactured. That dude must be seriously self-absorbed.

What does that have to do with any of this?

I'd be pretty absorbed in my own thoughts too if they were as interesting as Wayne's. LOL

Bellaboo
05-03-2012, 01:08 PM
What does that have to do with any of this?

I'd be pretty absorbed in my own thoughts too if they were as interesting as Wayne's. LOL

Most entertainers try to bring attention to themselves - it's kind of a sales pitch.

Rover
05-03-2012, 01:31 PM
How is this different from people walking around in t-shirts that show Calvin peeing on a Texas Longhorn?

I go to Italy a lot. I have seen many depictions of small boys / cupids peeing in a fountain. I suppose that is offensive. LOL. Who needs those depictions from stoned out musicians, right?
12861287

NoOkie
05-03-2012, 01:32 PM
What does that have to do with any of this?

I'd be pretty absorbed in my own thoughts too if they were as interesting as Wayne's. LOL

If you take as much acid as Wayne probably has, your own head is going to be pretty interesting.

I also definitely fall into the pro-Gomorrah category.

ThomPaine
05-03-2012, 02:03 PM
I vote no on the sign (and on Gomorrah by the way). I've got no problem with the paint job on the building, as it is an art gallery. I do find the strings of Christmas lights pretty tacky, and I hate to see windows painted over as it just makes me think the place is rundown. Also, from what I understand, the whole operation seems pretty low budget/poorly managed.

That being said, if his goal is to provide a different perspective, and allow for some alternative artistic ideas, I think that's great, but he can do that without using a sign that to many, just seems purposely divisive. Why not spend less effort on the sign and more effort on some permanent displays, hiring a staff and having normal operating hours.

There's not much artistic merit if you have to manufacture a controversy. That being said, until now, nobody's talked much about his building since New Year's...

dankrutka
05-03-2012, 02:15 PM
I like it, but just because people think it's a big deal. It's not. Lol.

betts
05-03-2012, 03:13 PM
The strings of lights are the same type of lighting that is on all the AA buildings at Christmas. The Womb just has its still up. I actually like them. I find the sign mildly offensive, and a bit sophmoric, but I don't think Wayne Coyne is trying to piss off Automobile Alley. I just think he likes to push boundaries a bit. I can think of worse boundaries, personally. This reminds me of what I used to tell my children: the more upset you get about something, the more entertaining it is for those who are trying to upset you. No reaction, no entertainment.

ThomPaine
05-03-2012, 03:47 PM
The strings of lights are the same type of lighting that is on all the AA buildings at Christmas. The Womb just has its still up. I actually like them. I find the sign mildly offensive, and a bit sophmoric, but I don't think Wayne Coyne is trying to piss off Automobile Alley. I just think he likes to push boundaries a bit. I can think of worse boundaries, personally. This reminds me of what I used to tell my children: the more upset you get about something, the more entertaining it is for those who are trying to upset you. No reaction, no entertainment.

Thanks for the explanation on the lights. Do the other buildings keep them up year round? I've not seen the building at night, but during the day it looks kind of odd...

BDP
05-03-2012, 03:53 PM
How is this different from people walking around in t-shirts that show Calvin peeing on a Texas Longhorn?

Maybe because Calvin is not a woman? Maybe because it's intentionally degrading? Or maybe just because it's not Wayne Coyne who resembles something some people are afraid of?



If he put the sign up, would I still walk my kids down there?

If you're kids are young enough, they would probably be the least offended. Before a certain age, they don't know that the human body and its functions are disgusting and offensive to people. They have to be told that.



I go to Italy a lot. I have seen many depictions of small boys / cupids peeing in a fountain. I suppose that is offensive. LOL. Who needs those depictions from stoned out musicians, right?

Actually, I think you can run down to the Home Depot and buy some "peeing" fountains. Some are not offended so long as it is mass produced.



If you take as much acid as Wayne probably has, your own head is going to be pretty interesting.

I'm pretty sure Wayne is totally clean and has been for some time. He really wasn't ever known as a big psychedelics user from what I hear (all third party stuff though). I met him at a party once and didn't even have a beer. Now, Steve Drozd, that was another story, but again, he's clean now.

I really like some of the stuff the Lips have done and their shows are a ton of fun, but the vast majority of it I am uninterested in. I'm not a huge fan of his visual art and, from what they'll show of it, this piece is just kind of blah to me. It's a woman peeing. So? Anyone could have predicted that people here would freak out about it, but really... it's a woman peeing. If anything, the only thing making it effective as art is how illuminating the reaction of some people is. She's going wee-wee and all of a sudden we have a media circus with people demanding the artist's exile from Oklahoma. To that, I have to give it up to Wayne. He took something that is not inherently offensive, something everyone does multiple times a day, something that is not amoral or religiously prescribed against, something that is absolutely necessary for life and incorporated it in a piece of art that does not attack, demean, or even criticize a single group or individual and, yet, it has offended a boat load of people who have reacted with anger and hate that leads them to personally ridicule an individual and ask for his removal from their community.... all because she's naked and going tinkle... it's actually pretty funny.

Bullbear
05-03-2012, 04:04 PM
without the media feeding the fire of contraversy.. this probably would be shrugged off by most folks.
I guess I am GO GO GO GOMORRAH!
much ado about nothing.

Double Edge
05-03-2012, 04:14 PM
Since Wayne has already had a run in with the city over permits...does anyone know if he was required to get and/or did get a permit for the paint job on the building? If he keeps pushing buttons, the city will probably keep pushing back.

As far as lights go, plug in string lights are considered temporary lighting. The AHJ can make you take them down after a time period. I think 90 days is the limit and I know that's been enforced at least in one commercial location, since I heard a city electrical inspector talking about doing so.

The code on Murals:

9350.46. Murals (59-8250.16).

A. Murals shall be considered a conditional use in all zoning districts, except the HP District.

B. Murals, which are to be located in a special zoning district, or proposed to be affixed to public structures, shall be approved by the appropriate board and/or commission.

C. Murals shall not be allowed in the BC District unless said mural meets the definition of Artistic Graphics.

D. Murals shall be submitted to the Arts Commission for review and comment. Those murals that require approval from a special board and/or commission shall obtain said approval following submittal of said Mural to the Arts Commission.

E. Murals that extend beyond or project above the vertical or horizontal line of any wall onto which the mural is painted or affixed shall be appropriately attached so as to not create a safety hazard to the public.

F. Murals shall not create a public safety issue, such as a distraction to drivers.

G. Applications for a mural permit shall be submitted to the Public Works Department on an approved application form accompanied by the following information:

(1) Site plan showing the lot and building dimensions, and indicating the proposed location of the mural.

(2) Scale drawing and color photo of the building showing proposed size and placement of the mural.

(3) Colored drawings of the proposed mural.

(4) Proposed maintenance schedule.

(5) An affidavit signed by the property owner giving permission to place the mural on the building.

(6) A statement by the applicant indicating said applicant waives any VARA rights.

H. Applicants for a mural permit shall not be required to be a licensed sign contractor.

I. Such application shall be accompanied by the fee established in Chapter 60 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code, 2010, as amended. Such fee shall be used to defray the expense of processing the mural application and shall be nonrefundable, regardless of the action taken on the application.

Matt
05-03-2012, 04:38 PM
The peeing woman sign may be a little tacky, but at least it's not a Thunder banner.

Bellaboo
05-03-2012, 07:56 PM
The peeing woman sign may be a little tacky, but at least it's not a Thunder banner.

Watch out now ! This could get derailed real fast ....

Midtowner
05-03-2012, 08:23 PM
Love it.

It says that even in the middle of the buckle of the Bible belt, we are still free to express ourselves through art.

Questor
05-03-2012, 08:35 PM
is it bad that i oppose this sign not because of the naked woman urinating but because of the Robot riding a Unicorn???

Haha!

Spartan
05-03-2012, 08:56 PM
The peeing woman sign may be a little tacky, but at least it's not a Thunder banner.

Now that's an idea. I think we need a peeing woman sign high atop SandRidge Tower..it could be symbolically pissing on the entire city (which would be too tall for her stream).

Suffice it to say, Wayne might be onto something. :cool18:

Spartan
05-03-2012, 09:02 PM
I vote no on the sign (and on Gomorrah by the way). I've got no problem with the paint job on the building, as it is an art gallery. I do find the strings of Christmas lights pretty tacky, and I hate to see windows painted over as it just makes me think the place is rundown. Also, from what I understand, the whole operation seems pretty low budget/poorly managed.

That being said, if his goal is to provide a different perspective, and allow for some alternative artistic ideas, I think that's great, but he can do that without using a sign that to many, just seems purposely divisive. Why not spend less effort on the sign and more effort on some permanent displays, hiring a staff and having normal operating hours.

There's not much artistic merit if you have to manufacture a controversy. That being said, until now, nobody's talked much about his building since New Year's...

Wait, you're seriously opposed to the lights? Have you ever been down to Automobile Alley before? The lights are an incredible effect.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6522187433_983067372a.jpg
http://www.uncoveringoklahoma.com/images/specials/winter/automobilealleylights_big.jpg

BBatesokc
05-03-2012, 09:31 PM
Wait, you're seriously opposed to the lights? Have you ever been down to Automobile Alley before? The lights are an incredible effect.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6522187433_983067372a.jpg
http://www.uncoveringoklahoma.com/images/specials/winter/automobilealleylights_big.jpg

Difference is, the responsible business owners remove their lights after the holidays.

I love lights on homes in my neighborhood, but I don't want to see them blowing about in July.

ThomPaine
05-04-2012, 10:05 AM
Difference is, the responsible business owners remove their lights after the holidays.

I love lights on homes in my neighborhood, but I don't want to see them blowing about in July.

Spartan - This is what I was really (poorly evidently) trying to get across. It's more of a seasonal deal. In the summer, with all the extra hours of daylight, they just look goofy. I have only seen his building during the daylight hours, so I don't know if he lights them year round.

gen70
05-04-2012, 10:17 AM
What happened to the Nazi...???