Kvinneakt | Portland OR

I was taken back when I first encountered this life size bronze sculpture just outside of Pioneer Square. After all, how often does one meet a nekid Norwegian woman on the street? I later realized she was the subject of a famous poster, "Expose Yourself to Art," all the rage in dorm rooms during the 1980s.

While shooting this piece, men walked by and stroked her nipples! For luck? It does explain why they're the shiniest part of the sculpture.

Kvinneakt means “nude woman” in Norwegian. Kvinneakt, created by Norman Taylor, UW art professor, has resided on the Portland bus mall at Fifth and Washington Streets since 1979.

EOS 5D MK II and EF 24-105 4L IS USM

Portlanders believe you should experience art daily and major transit stops feature some type of sculpture or graphic art. And the abundant and well placed public art is one of the things I love about Portland. It's everywhere: subburban bus stops, downtown sidewalks, airport, etc. Public art says a lot about the values of the local population and I'll do my best during summers to help keep Portland werid!

EOS 5D MK II and EF 24-105 4L IS USM