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Unconditional Surrender No. 3: NJ Capitulates

Unconditional Surrender.J. Seward Johnson, the Johnson & Johnson grandson and sculptor-of-titans, has added another towering pop culture tribute to his growing stable. A third version of his “Unconditional Surrender” sculpture went up on April 26, 2010, in Trenton, New Jersey.

We’ve already noted Johnson’s habits of copying his own work or just moving it around. He seems happy to supply a statue to any town — for a period of time. If they want to keep the statue, they have to pay. Otherwise Johnson dismantles it and moves it somewhere else.

The idea that a roadside sculpture, solid and 25 feet tall, could be around for only a few months, is new. The closest comparison would be the Muffler Men; they also get moved around, but only after years in the same spot. Johnson’s rent-a-goliath art concept may be a smart business model, and it may save towns from being stuck with big statues that they don’t like. But it’s a big headache for people who want to see them. “Sorry, that giant statue was here last week.”

Unconditional Surrender.As for the new super-smoochers in New Jersey, they went up without fanfare or even much notice, unlike Unconditional Surrender #2 in Sarasota, Florida, which is still creating controversy years after it was first erected. #2 is supposedly in Sarasota because lots of World War II vets retired there. #1 is supposedly in San Diego because lots of World War II seamen trained there. Those two are in high pedestrian tourism spots, becoming instant upskirt photo op sensations.  #3 is in Trenton because Johnson bought a nearby fairground and turned it into a sculpture park, and because Trenton wants to call attention to itself as an arts destination.

But you could drive yourself crazy trying to find justification for any of Johnson’s work. We’d just be happy if it would stick around. An article in The Trentonian notes that #3 could stay permanently in Trenton “if someone purchased it to stay here,” hint, hint. We suggest calling first to make sure it’s still in New Jersey before you visit.

Sections: Attraction News, Statues 1 Comment »

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Unconditional Surrender: Supersized Smoochers

Directions:
At the corner of Sloan Ave. and Klockner Rd, across the highway from the Hamilton train station. I-295 exit 65B. Drive west on Sloan Ave. for a half-mile (passing the World's Largest Tooth on the left). Turn right at the "All Turns" sign, then turn left and cross the highway onto Klockner Rd. The statue will be on the right, with a small dirt pullout for parking.
Hours:
2011: Currently on loan elsewhere.
Status:
Gone

One Response to “Unconditional Surrender No. 3: NJ Capitulates”

  1. Ashley Says:
    July 27th, 2010 at 8:38 pm

    Before you head to Trenton, read this: I just came back from a trip to California where I visited San Diego and happened upon this very statue. Now I dont know if its a replica or it has been moved from Trenton, but I would check it out before driving there.

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