Lefthome
01-27-2005, 08:47 AM
Fiona Hudson, city editor
24jan05
http://img191.exs.cx/img191/8507/promo.jpg
GIANT banners on Melbourne Town Hall of bearded men squeezed into Wonder Woman costumes have passers-by wondering.
The 4m tall photos, paid for by the city council, are part of the annual Midsumma gay and lesbian festival.
But the images of men and women in ill-fitting superhero costumes yesterday left tennis tourists and locals alike bemused.
One Spaniard, who'd stopped to take a photo, said: "Er, is Wonder Woman, yes? Why so hairy?"
New Zealander Roy Cooper thought the pictures might be to scare away annoying pigeons.
"That would be their only feature. This is a beautiful old building. Why would you spoil it with those monstrosities? It's a real shame," he said.
Newcastle visitor Lynne Tommerup was highly amused by the seven images. "I think it's wonderful. I love it -- it's a bit of fun," she said.
Deputy mayor Gary Singer, who has said he'd like Melbourne to become a gay capital, said the images were not an attempt to win the tag.
"For all festivals we have banners hanging on the Town Hall -- this is no different. It's all part of the rich and varied life of Melbourne," he said.
Photographer Angela Bailey said a childhood crush she had had on the comic-book and TV hero inspired the works.
Ms Bailey said she was encouraged that the council had displayed her images so prominently.
"I've noticed quite a few tennis fans stopping to take pictures. It's a great venue," she said.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12027917^2862,00.html
24jan05
http://img191.exs.cx/img191/8507/promo.jpg
GIANT banners on Melbourne Town Hall of bearded men squeezed into Wonder Woman costumes have passers-by wondering.
The 4m tall photos, paid for by the city council, are part of the annual Midsumma gay and lesbian festival.
But the images of men and women in ill-fitting superhero costumes yesterday left tennis tourists and locals alike bemused.
One Spaniard, who'd stopped to take a photo, said: "Er, is Wonder Woman, yes? Why so hairy?"
New Zealander Roy Cooper thought the pictures might be to scare away annoying pigeons.
"That would be their only feature. This is a beautiful old building. Why would you spoil it with those monstrosities? It's a real shame," he said.
Newcastle visitor Lynne Tommerup was highly amused by the seven images. "I think it's wonderful. I love it -- it's a bit of fun," she said.
Deputy mayor Gary Singer, who has said he'd like Melbourne to become a gay capital, said the images were not an attempt to win the tag.
"For all festivals we have banners hanging on the Town Hall -- this is no different. It's all part of the rich and varied life of Melbourne," he said.
Photographer Angela Bailey said a childhood crush she had had on the comic-book and TV hero inspired the works.
Ms Bailey said she was encouraged that the council had displayed her images so prominently.
"I've noticed quite a few tennis fans stopping to take pictures. It's a great venue," she said.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12027917^2862,00.html