We went to this park yesterday for a shot of this sculpture in freezing weather only to find not much light and too many people http://www.pbase.com/helenpb/image/91282302 . Went back today, a stunning day, hoping for a break in the crowds, but I only managed to capture one image out of 35 with no visitors getting in my way. For a view of the entire sculpture, see http://www.pbase.com/helenpb/image/91322751

"The Awakening" is a 100-foot statue of a giant embedded in the earth, struggling to free himself. It was created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. and installed at Hains Point (East Potomac Park), Washington, D.C., in 1980 for the International Sculpture Conference Exhibition. It proved so popular, however, that 27 years after the event it still remains, even though the National Park Service admits that the "temporary permit" has long since expired.

The statue consists of five separate pieces buried in the ground, giving the impression of a panicked giant trying to pull himself to the surface. The left hand and right foot barely protrude, while the bent left leg and knee jut into the air. The 17-foot right arm and hand climb above the observer while the bearded face, with the mouth in mid-scream, struggles to emerge from the surrounding earth. (From Wikipedia)