"Facing the Crowd" are two 7.5' to 8' high bronze facial caricatures in the Northern plazas of the newly renovated PGE Stadium in Portland Oregon. The heartily smiling man and boy faces portray two stages in the life of an individual, relating to the historical evolution and changing character of the site itself. For the passerby walking or driving from one side of the stadium to the other, the faces effectively frame the boundaries of the site. During an event, when the stadium is active and alive, the faces immediately connect with spectators, mirroring their own sense of amusement for both young and old. Yet when the site is not in use, they offer a warming presence, forever locked into their ecstatic states.

By reinforcing the very human element of the stadium and the neighborhood's history, "Facing the Crowd's" dynamic presences become a celebration of joy and playfulness. These giant totems engage the spectator with their simple and universal theme of maintaining humor in the midst of a chaotic urban world.

Commisioned by the
Regional Arts & Culture Council.

[view of child's face
in front of park entrance]
PGE Park, Portland, OR
Installed: 2001