Florida House

Florida House (http://www.flahouse.org/) itself is not tacky, but what it has displayed in its garden is. The Florida House's grounds have gone through a lot recently, due to the perimeter security construction which has been going on at the Supreme Court. Florida House is almost directly behind it, and across East Capitol Street from the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Not long after the sidewalks and iron fence around the house were restored, this sculpture appeared in the side yard. Florida House has a lovely brick patio with cherry trees blooming all around, and wrought iron benches to sit in while absorbing the ambience of Capitol Hill. So, why was such an inappropriate piece allowed to disrupt the sedate charm of the property?

Romero Britto (http://www.britto.com/) is a Brazilian who makes his home in Miami, Florida. He is one of a number of Florida artists who cooperates with Florida's first lady, Columba Bush, on issues regarding art. Florida House is essentially an embassy for the state of Florida on Capitol Hill. The work is on indefinite loan from the artist to the house.

This cat sculpture, which appears to measure approximately 6 feet high, 5 feet wide, and about a foot deep, seems as out of place as tie-dye at a Republican fund raiser. Even if it were what I would consider appropriate, it's way too big for the space. And I can't help but think that there are other artists in Florida whose work would be more deserving of such a prominent display, would fit in better with its surroundings, and would provoke a more sophisticated response in the viewer than "what a cute kitty!"

I wish I could call this a tacky treasure, but its inappropriateness doesn't hold any charm for me. The overall cutesy-ness of it lacks warmth or depth. Now, how about bringing a muffler man, a dinosaur, or even some pink flamingos? That's the kind of outdoor art I can support.

Other Capitol Hill sculptures:

Lord, what fools these mortals be!

Some lucky dog lives here

Sculpture by Romero Britto
Florida House
2nd & East Capitol NE
Washington DC

The rear of the Supreme Court Building in the background

Florida House, with the Folger Shakespeare Library to the right