Every Wednesday at noon, Ryan Schleicher, Evan Rytlewski, and Matt Wild take to the WMSE airwaves to discuss all things Milwaukee. This half-hour fun-fest is called The Disclaimer, so named because none of the oft-ridiculous views expressed on the show necessarily reflect the views of the hosts’ employers. Milwaukee music, Milwaukee art, Milwaukee events, and D.I.Y. lawn care tips are frequently discussed—and rarely agreed upon. The Disclaimer: Talk radio for the sane.
Since coming into existence on the high-traffic intersection of Kinnickinnic, Howell, and Lincoln avenues in late 2014, Bay View’s “Art Stop” has been a source of considerable criticism. The piece designed by Román Montoto—which is actually called “Urban Counter-Pose”—cost approximately $200,000, took three years of combined planning and construction, and left one of Milwaukee’s most heavily traveled causeways with an assemblage of concrete and rusted steel that’s expressed identity as a bus stop is up for debate.
Now, Milwaukee artist Jeff Redmon is trying to convince Bay View’s powers-that-be to let him improve the “Art Stop” with, well, more art. But is painting some murals on the side of an existing piece—however loathed that piece is—really a good idea? Ryan, Evan, and Matt discuss the history of the “Art Stop,” touch on the perception of public art in Milwaukee, and disagree on whether or not an artist appropriating another artist’s work is crossing a line. Matt ties the whole thing to the “big orange sunburst thing at the end of Wisconsin Avenue” controversy of yesteryear, and everyone agrees that the Bay View Town Hall Facebook page is bonkers.
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