Public Art Blog

"Territorios" Humanities Revelation.

This controversial piece is called "Territorios" and was created in 2016 by a Columbian sculptor named Edgardo Carmona. It begs the question if society should censor public art. "Territorios" is a well-known statue in downtown Fort Myers on Main Street. It is a human body piece made of metal that underwent an oxidation process to give it a copper-like pigment. At first observation, you may not even notice that both the man and dog are urinating on the light pole. The open eye may miss many different factors of this sculpture. Including that the man is holding what looks like a beer bottle in his hand that leans on the pole. Or that the man has a facial reaction that seems almost surprised. It also shouldn't be overlooked that Carmona does not hide his material choice, showing sincere truth in his work. This sculpture is "in the round" and takes advantage of its surroundings to show what is almost a real scenario in the city. The sculpture stands at a street corner blending in with the hue of the bricks on the ground. We have all seen dogs walked by their owners "mark their territory" on a street light pole. So, the sculpture intends to question why a man cannot do the same.

Observing this sculpture made me think critically about society's standards. While it may appear to be a man inappropriately urinating in public, it is much more profound. It is about the parallel between man and dog. A dog is a man's best friend, a pair doing everything together. Apparently, even urinating together on a light pole in a public space. But it also speaks to the desire to mark your territory. Dogs are not the only animal who desire possession. It made me wonder why dogs mark their territory. I concluded they want to be significant even when they are not actively present, to leave their "mark" on the world. Then I realized most of society aspires to do just that. So really, "Territorios" by Edgardo Carmona expresses the similarity between not just man and dog, but everyone. The man urinating was not literal but metaphorical. The sculpture should not upset people but instead bring them together. The piece should remind us that we all just want to express ourselves and be significant on this giant rock we call earth. The piece speaks to individuals who may not typically be recognized in a sculpture, which is honestly what art should do. I love that the piece seeks out a misunderstood audience.

Carmona, Edgardo. Territorios, 2016, Fort Myers.

“Allure Your Senses | Fort Myers, FL - Official Website.” Cityftmyers.com, cityftmyers.com/1580/Allure-Your-Senses. Accessed 12 Sept. 2022.