Saddam sculpture mistaken for rubbish

[Amby 490]

A contemporary sculpture depicting Saddam Hussein's wife is causing confusion in a London park.

Passers-by have mistaken the collage of an oil drum, cable wheels, cardboard boxes, paint and adhesive tape for rubbish.

The piece, by sculptor Graham Hudson, is the latest in a series of contemporary sculptures to occupy the same spot in Holland Park's Napoleon Garden.

Mr Hudson said in a recent interview: "It's a beautiful spot named after the most successful fascist dictator in history. So we've got fascism and leisure, what a great combination!

"How do they link to the here and now? I guess even dictators need a bit of R and R and a cuddle now and again. Sajida Talfah was Saddam Hussein's first wife (and cousin)."

What Sajida Talfah would make of the comparison is hard to say because in 2006 she was placed on Iraq's most wanted list and has not been seen since.

But passing members of the public were unimpressed. Barbara Whittall, on a day trip to London, said: "That's not a statue, is it? I thought they were just doing it up."

And her sister Jacqueline said: "It's too much. I can't take that. I prefer the statue of Lord Holland at the top of the park. Ask someone young - they might appreciate it."

But 25-year-old Amanda didn't like it either, saying: "It looks like someone has tried to wrap up a package very poorly and stuck it in the middle of the garden. It's not my idea of art."

A spokesman for Kensington and Chelsea council, which paid £2,000 for the installation, said: "As Holland Park had a tradition of showing sculpture, and one had always been sited in the Napoleon Garden, it seemed a pity to leave an empty space."

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2717699.html?menu=

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Saddam is the most successful fascist dictator in history?

By what measure?

[Amby 490]

I think it looks like someone forgot to pick up the trash

[almaty 19]

Saddam is the most successful fascist dictator in history?

By what measure?

he was not even in the top 20 in history...

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

That sculpture is rubbish. Honestly, just because some wanker calls it art doesn't mean it should be displayed in public.

[Sister Fracas 5]

Well, now isn't THAT lovely...wonder if I could pick up a miniature version for my desk at work...

[lucyrich 20]

Saddam is the most successful fascist dictator in history?

By what measure?

Note that the garden is named after Napoleon, not Saddam. I believe he's saying Napoleon Bonaparte is the most successful fascist dictator, but I'm not sure about that. It certainly could have been worded more clearly.

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Saddam is the most successful fascist dictator in history?

By what measure?

Note that the garden is named after Napoleon, not Saddam. I believe he's saying Napoleon Bonaparte is the most successful fascist dictator, but I'm not sure about that. It certainly could have been worded more clearly.

That's certainly what I understood.

I like modern art. I'm a fan of quite a few sculptures and paintings that other people call rubbish. But even I don't like this!