Fists high, 'Rocky' statue makes comeback (But Statue is 'Not Art')

PHILADELPHIA - Rocky Balboa — or more specifically, a statue of the Hollywood palooka, boxing gloves raised in triumph — is being restored to a spot outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the winner by a split decision in a bout between fine art and pop culture.

Despite complaints that the statue is piece of kitsch undeserving of display near Renoirs and Monets, the city Art Commission voted 6-2 Wednesday to move the 2,000-pound bronze out of storage and put it on a street-level pedestal near the museum steps.

The steps were the setting for one of the most famous scenes in Sylvester Stallone's 1976 movie "Rocky" and have been a big tourist attraction ever since, with visitors to Philadelphia imitating the Italian Stallion's sweat-suited dash to the top. (Of course, after bounding up the 72 steps and pumping their fists in the air like Rocky, the tourists often turn around and leave without setting foot in the museum.)

The 8-foot-6 Rocky is expected to be on his granite pedestal in time for a dedication ceremony Friday.

"We're thrilled," said city Commerce Director Stephanie Naidoff. "What more wonderful a symbol of hard work and dedication is there than Rocky?"

The two commission members who voted against the move, artist Moe Brooker and University of the Arts president Miguel Angel Corzo, said the site was inappropriate.

"It's not a work of art and ... it doesn't belong there," said Brooker, a professor at Moore College of Art and Design. Rocky's battle to the top "is a concept, it is an idea, and ideas don't need justification in terms of objects."

Corzo suggested that he might resign from the commission over the vote, saying that placing the pugilist near the museum goes against the commission's desire to "raise the standards of the city."

He said the issue for him was not whether the statue was art, pointing out the debatable aesthetic value of some of the Philadelphia museum's works — for example, a porcelain urinal by avant-garde artist Marcel Duchamp. But he questioned whether Rocky deserved to be neighbors with sculptures such as Rodin's "The Thinker," which sits nearby on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

But the majority of commissioners who approved the move said Rocky has become synonymous with Philadelphia.

"This is not art as it has been defined by aesthetic" standards, said commissioner Emanuel Kelly, who scored the fight for Rocky. "But in terms of this as a cultural icon over 30 years, it has beared the test of time."

The sculpture by A. Thomas Schomberg was commissioned by Stallone for a scene in "Rocky III" (1982) and also appeared in "Rocky V" (1990). After the third Rocky installment, Stallone donated the statue to the city — and the real fight began.

The statue was installed at the top of the museum steps, but was removed after just a few months when museum officials and art aficionados argued that it was merely a movie prop and that its "exaggerated proportions and caricature" would sully the internationally renowned museum's image.

After much bobbing and weaving, Rocky was moved to a spot at the city's sports stadium complex in South Philadelphia. It was moved again and eventually warehoused after filming began on the latest installment of the saga, "Rocky Balboa," which hits theaters in December.

This week's dedication ceremony — with the flesh-and-blood Stallone expected to attend — caps a week of festivities celebrating the 30th anniversary of the original "Rocky" movie. The events include a Rocky and Adrian lookalike contest and outdoor boxing matches.

Stallone's publicist in Los Angeles, Michelle Bega, did not immediately return a call for comment. Art museum spokesman Norman Keyes had no comment.

Reached at his Colorado studio, Rocky's sculptor said he was happy the statue has a permanent home where "the city and the people of Philadelphia can enjoy it."

"I think the location at the top of the steps certainly would have been fabulous, but I'm also pleased with the current location," Schomberg said.

That must have been an error, it took me to his collection of scratch paper remnants. He says "Art is about the asking of questions." My question is, "What the hell were you doing in art school, sleeping?"

Great point. A statue of an actor posing is just that. I'd ask these people if they'd put a statue of an American soldier up there, but there answer would be "On second thought, the Rocky thing is just fine."

thousands of people would run up the steps, dance around the statue, and leave without ever going inside

Now that IS ART!

I have some really cool glass stuff that is very expensive... But it took skill and thought to make. Some people hate it, but some people love it.. I happen to love it... For a piece of metal to move people to put their arms over their heads in a Victory stance... just that makes it ART. ...

(((Rocky is a helluva good movie.

The rest of them, except for V (which I saw in French), are entertaining...but not great films.

And I totally agree tha I freakin' can't wait to see Rocky VI!

By the way, seen the trailer? It will make you want to go out and do some chin ups. Awesome.

There is even a classic scene where the champion is verbally sparring with the presumably ancient Balboa, seeking his comeback. The champ (obviously much younger than Rock) says something like, "When were you big? In the 80s?"

Rock replies in that great deadpan voice, "Actually, it was more like the '70's"

I love it and can't wait.

As for the statue, it should stay.)))

ROFL! Yes, it makes me want to go out and do chin ups, and I'm a 50 year old female! :-D Also an original Rocky fan. I was in my early twenties when the movie came out. Am not a boxing fan...but the film simply mesmerized me.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.