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{{Refimprove|date=January 2010}} {{Refimprove|date=January 2010}}


].]] ] statue]]
The term '''living statue''' refers to a ] who poses like a ] or ], usually with realistic statue-like ], sometimes for hours at a time. The term '''living statue''' refers to a ] who poses like a ] or ], usually with realistic statue-like ], sometimes for hours at a time.


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| coauthors = | coauthors =
| date = 2010-03-02 | date = 2010-03-02
| format =
| work = Nordic Labour Journal | work = Nordic Labour Journal
| publisher = Work Research Institute, Oslo, commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. | publisher = Work Research Institute, Oslo, commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
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== History == == History ==
] nude with ] and ].]]
The ], or group of living statues, was a regular feature of medieval and ] festivities and pageantry, such as ] by rulers into cities. Typically a group enacting a scene would be mounted on an elaborate stand decorated to look like a monument, placed on the route of the procession. A living statue appeared in a scene of the 1945 French masterpiece film ''Les enfants du paradis'' ('']''), and early living statue pioneers include the London-based artists ] in the 60's. In the early years of the 20th century, the German dancer ] put on “Evenings of Beauty” (Schönheitsabende) in which she posed nude in imitation of classical works of art ('living pictures').
, aka Staticman, plays living statues continuously since 1987 and was in ''Guinness Book of Records'' between 1988 and 1997 with the time of 15 hours, 5 minutes and 55 seconds standing still. After that, Staticman made more four world records but not under ''Guinness'' supervision for economic reasons. In the present time Staticman plays with living statues in levitation, organizes living statues festivals and teaches master classes of living statues. The ], or group of living statues, was a regular feature of medieval and ] festivities and pageantry, such as ] by rulers into cities. Typically a group enacting a scene would be mounted on an elaborate stand decorated to look like a monument, placed on the route of the procession. A living statue appeared in a scene of the 1945 French masterpiece film ''Les enfants du paradis'' ('']''), and early living statue pioneers include the London-based artists ] in the 60's. In the early years of the 20th century, the German dancer ] put on “Evenings of Beauty” (Schönheitsabende) in which she posed nude in imitation of classical works of art ('living pictures'). António Santos,<ref>http://www.facebook.com/staticman</ref> aka Staticman, plays living statues continuously since 1987 and was in '']'' between 1988 and 1997 with the time of 15 hours, 5 minutes and 55 seconds standing still. After that, Staticman made more four world records but not under ''Guinness'' supervision for economic reasons. In the present time Staticman plays with living statues in levitation, organizes living statues festivals and teaches master classes of living statues.


== Living statue events == == Living statue events ==
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The World Championship of Living Statues is held annually at ] in the ]. In 2011, the festival ran from 28 to 29 August with around 300 000 visitors and 300 living statues (including amateurs and children).{{citation needed|date=August 2012}} The World Championship of Living Statues is held annually at ] in the ]. In 2011, the festival ran from 28 to 29 August with around 300 000 visitors and 300 living statues (including amateurs and children).{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}


The ] in the city of ], ] has hosted a National Contest of Living Statues since the year 2000.<ref></ref> The ] in the city of ], ] has hosted a National Contest of Living Statues since the year 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucesarte.uces.edu.ar/ |title=Contest of Living Statues |publisher=Ucesarte.uces.edu.ar |date= |accessdate=2014-01-23}}</ref>


==Busking== ==Busking==
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*{{Cn-span|text=In the ] novel '']'', vampire queen ] turn into statues after remaining motionless for centuries.|date=December 2010}} *{{Cn-span|text=In the ] novel '']'', vampire queen ] turn into statues after remaining motionless for centuries.|date=December 2010}}
*In '']'' an enemy and mini-boss, called a Darknut, pretends to be a living statue before turning round and fighting Link. This has become a main theme for Darknut fights throughout the games. *In '']'' an enemy and mini-boss, called a Darknut, pretends to be a living statue before turning round and fighting Link. This has become a main theme for Darknut fights throughout the games.
*{{Cn-span|text=] of the ] series poses as a living statue when not being utilized by his master, Marik. In reality, his mind was possessed by Marik through the Millennium Rod and he is incapable of independent thought.|date=February 2013}} *{{Cn-span|text=] of the ] series poses as a living statue when not being utilized by his master, Marik. In reality, his mind was possessed by Marik through the Millennium Rod and he is incapable of independent thought.|date=February 2013}}
*{{Cn-span|text=The 2005 movie '']'', which depicts a town full of ultra-realistic wax statues who are, in fact, real living people encased in wax.|date=December 2010}} *{{Cn-span|text=The 2005 movie '']'', which depicts a town full of ultra-realistic wax statues who are, in fact, real living people encased in wax.|date=December 2010}}
*{{Cn-span|text=In the British TV Show ], there is a race of aliens called "]" who are quite literally "living statues."|date=October 2012}} *{{Cn-span|text=In the British TV Show ], there is a race of aliens called "]" who are quite literally "living statues."|date=October 2012}}


==Gallery== ==Gallery==
<gallery perrow="5"> <gallery perrow="8">
File:Living statue, Miami Beach, FL.jpg|Living statue in ]
Image:Stillman living statue.jpg|A Living Statue "Stillman Theater" draws a fascinated crowd Image:Stillman living statue.jpg|A Living Statue "Stillman Theater" draws a fascinated crowd
Image:Statue Vivante 19.JPG|"Sophie Malraye, Statue Vivante", World Champion 2006 in ]. ] Image:Statue Vivante 19.JPG|"Sophie Malraye, Statue Vivante", World Champion 2006 in ]. ]
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Image:Living Statue in Leon, Mexico.jpg|A Living Statue seen in the Downtown of ]. Image:Living Statue in Leon, Mexico.jpg|A Living Statue seen in the Downtown of ].
File:Predator, Royal Mile Edinburgh, 2013.JPG|Predator, ], Scotland File:Predator, Royal Mile Edinburgh, 2013.JPG|Predator, ], Scotland
File:Living Art Statues Sydney Art Gallery NSW (9014173965).jpg|]
Image:Italian pavilion statue.jpg|A living statue at ].
</gallery> </gallery>


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==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{reflist}}


== External links == == External links ==
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* *
* *
*http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au/press/ Human Statues news articles] *
* *
*http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com/profiles/bodypainting.html Bodypainting at Australian Sports Entertainment] *
*http://www.tattooexpo.com.au The Australian Tattoo & Body Art Expo] *


{{DEFAULTSORT:Living Statue}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Living Statue}}

Revision as of 23:37, 23 January 2014

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Judge statue

The term living statue refers to a street artist who poses like a statue or mannequin, usually with realistic statue-like makeup, sometimes for hours at a time.

Living statue performers can fool passersby and a number of hidden camera shows on television have used living statues to startle people. As with all performing arts, living statue performers may perform as buskers.

History

Olga Desmond nude with drapery and pedestal.

The tableau vivant, or group of living statues, was a regular feature of medieval and Renaissance festivities and pageantry, such as royal entries by rulers into cities. Typically a group enacting a scene would be mounted on an elaborate stand decorated to look like a monument, placed on the route of the procession. A living statue appeared in a scene of the 1945 French masterpiece film Les enfants du paradis (Children of Paradise), and early living statue pioneers include the London-based artists Gilbert and George in the 60's. In the early years of the 20th century, the German dancer Olga Desmond put on “Evenings of Beauty” (Schönheitsabende) in which she posed nude in imitation of classical works of art ('living pictures'). António Santos, aka Staticman, plays living statues continuously since 1987 and was in Guinness Book of Records between 1988 and 1997 with the time of 15 hours, 5 minutes and 55 seconds standing still. After that, Staticman made more four world records but not under Guinness supervision for economic reasons. In the present time Staticman plays with living statues in levitation, organizes living statues festivals and teaches master classes of living statues.

Living statue events

The World Championship of Living Statues is held annually at Arnhem in the Netherlands. In 2011, the festival ran from 28 to 29 August with around 300 000 visitors and 300 living statues (including amateurs and children).

The University of Business and Social Sciences in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina has hosted a National Contest of Living Statues since the year 2000.

Busking

Performing as a living statue is a prevalent form of busking, especially in places with a high level of tourism. A living statue performer will strategically choose a spot, preferably one with a high level of foot traffic, and out of the way. The performer creates the illusion of complete stillness while standing. Sometimes, passers-by do not realize the performer is a real person, which often causes surprise when the 'statue' gives them a small gesture (such as a wink or nod). A busker's objective is to create moments of interaction that result in a tip. The amount of money a performer makes day to day depends on his or her ability to effectively interact with the crowd.

Other uses

In science fiction and fantasy the term often has the opposite meaning: humans (or other humanoid creatures such as elves) who are immobilized by technology or magic and sometimes disguised as real statues, often remaining conscious in the process.

  • In Michael Moorcock's fantasy novel The Queen of the Swords, the heroes encounter the Frozen Army that once set out to fight an evil goddess but were turned into living statues instead.
  • In the Anne Rice novel The Queen of the Damned, vampire queen Akasha and her husband Enkil turn into statues after remaining motionless for centuries.
  • In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess an enemy and mini-boss, called a Darknut, pretends to be a living statue before turning round and fighting Link. This has become a main theme for Darknut fights throughout the games.
  • The Pantomimer of the Yu-Gi-Oh! series poses as a living statue when not being utilized by his master, Marik. In reality, his mind was possessed by Marik through the Millennium Rod and he is incapable of independent thought.
  • The 2005 movie House of Wax, which depicts a town full of ultra-realistic wax statues who are, in fact, real living people encased in wax.
  • In the British TV Show Doctor Who, there is a race of aliens called "Weeping Angels" who are quite literally "living statues."

Gallery

See also

References

  1. Björn Lindahl (2010-03-02). "Job description: do as little as possible — Nordic Labour Journal". Nordic Labour Journal. Work Research Institute, Oslo, commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. They suddenly appeared in all European capitals and tourist cities: the living statues. Where did they come from? What are they thinking while they stand there, lifeless? What do they do in winter? We came with many questions and quite a few prejudices when we approached one of the most peculiar occupations there is. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. http://www.facebook.com/staticman
  3. "Contest of Living Statues". Ucesarte.uces.edu.ar. Retrieved 2014-01-23.

External links

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