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Factoid #8

by Scott Muoio

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The Wall of Death, Literally

While The Fremont Troll (I'll get to that in a minute) gets the bulk of the Seattle tourist "Ooooohs" and "Ahhhhs," the extremely odd Wall of Death under The University Bridge is equally as stunning, even more bizarre, and often left out of the guide books.

A troll under a bridge, sure, that makes sense. But when it comes to art in Seattle, why stop at a troll when you can have a Wall of Death as well? Only in The Emerald City...

The Wall of Death is a 20 foot tall orange metal ring with the words, "Wall of Death" chiseled from the metal. Large spikes rise from the concrete below holding up the ring daring passers by to, well, I don't know, skate or die? And... that's about it.

Check it out if you get the chance. It's pretty cool looking. After all, it isn't everyday you get to see a Wall of Death, now is it!?

The Wallingford Steps, Literally

Walk on down or walk on up, it's all good at The Wallingford Steps!

Seattle is home to some of the most unique and beautiful parks in the country. It is also home to The Wallingford Steps. This "park," in the loosest sense of the word is literally a series of steps up a hill on Wallingford Avenue in the Wallingford neighborhood of the city, hence its appropriate nomenclature. Literally, The Wallingford Steps are exactly what they claim to be, a useful series of steps connecting Wallingford Avenue with The Burke-Gillman bike and running trail and Gas Works Park below. In addition to the steps there is a sign, an artistic circle of colorful broken concrete, and... that's about it.

The sign, the circle, The Wallingford Steps.

The Fremont Troll, Literally

The Troll who captured the VW.

Besides Pike Place Market, The Space Needle, and scenic Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill, The Fremont Troll is probably Seattle's most popular tourist attraction. It is also a perfect example of the strange art that finds its way into daily Seattle culture.

Built in 1990 by local artists The Troll rests under The Aurora Bridge on 36th Street and Troll Avenue in the Seattle neighborhood of Fremont. The Troll features a real Volkswagon Beatle clenched in his oversized fist and all are encouraged to scale his enormous girth. You may climb on him, pick his nose, and photograph him to your heart's content, just be careful he doesn't wake from his slumber and eat you for lunch (or at least that's what I tell the little kids who love jumping up and down on his shoulders).

I love the literalness of The Fremont Troll, The Wall of Death, and The Wallingford Steps. No need for artsy fartsy interpretation or secret meaning with these three Seattle icons. What you see is what you get and one need not graduate with an advanced degree in art history to enjoy any of them. And sometimes, at least in my opinion, those simple qualities make for the most enjoyable artistic expression and experiences.

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Noted something strange or interesting in or about Seattle? Tell us about it. Email scottmuoio@undependentmedia.com

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