Nearly-naked sleepwalker - creepy or crafty?
He's minding his own business, but has caused a flurry of controversy.
This man-size sculpture, called 'Sleepwalker', on the campus of all-women Wellesley College in Massachusetts, is part of an exhibit by sculptor Tony Matelli at the college's Davis Museum.
His hands, features, even his skin tone are so life-like, that students and lecturers seem thrilled and creeped out in equal measure.
But is it too good? A student petition to have the sculpture removed says it's become a source of fear for some.
"The highly lifelike sculpture by Tony Matelli, entitled “Sleepwalker”, has become a source of apprehension, fear, and triggering thoughts regarding sexual assault for some members of our campus community," the petition reads.
"While it may appear humorous, or thought provoking to some, the “Sleepwalker” has already become a source of undue stress for a number of Wellesley College students, the majority of whom live, study, and work on campus."
Responding to the student petition, museum director Lisa Fischman said she "(loved) the idea of art escaping the museum and muddling the line between what we expect to be inside (art) and what we expect to be outside (life)."
She said she had seen a number of students taking selfies with the sculpture.
"Art provokes dialogue," said Fischman, "and discourse is the core of education. In that spirit, I am enormously glad to have your response."
Sounds like Sleepwalker will be staying put.
*Pictures by Steven Senne at AP
