"THE SLEEPWALKER"

A couple of years ago, I discovered the work of Anthony Matelli at a gallery opening in Chelsea.  While walking the High Line the other day, I again came across his very realistic self-portrait sculpture, “The Sleepwalker.” If it is a measure of an artist’s success to have a conversation with his audience, Mr. Matelli has more than made the grade. What first came to mind about his rendering was a depiction of the classic nightmare of being caught sleepwalking in public in one’s underwear. OK, maybe it is impossible to ignore a near naked sleepwalker in a public place, but what really fascinated me was the wide range of interactivity that I witnessed. Of course the abundance of cameras and selfie sticks were a factor, but I still wondered … what if he woke up?
                              
                           

                                  

                                  

                                                    

                                    

                                

                                 

                               all photos ©Ken Brown