Last month, Googly’s eyes appeared on pieces of public art Throughout Benda, Ore. Drivers would be rubber, confused and entertained by sculptures of deer and other sculptures that were given disrespectful, crossed.
Eyes have become a feeling, except for frustrated city officials who paid for their removal.
The identity of the person behind the joke, which became known as Google Eye Bandit, was unknown. This is until Jeff Keith signed up to claim responsibility.
Mr. Keith, 53, who runs the Guardian Group, a non -profit organization aimed at disrupting sex trading in the United States, said in mid -December he crawled to the center of the roundabout and introduced his eyes on some public art.
“Big Ears” by Joe Halko, a statue depicting a family of deer, became Googly’s eyes-including a small metal between her mother’s legs.
“He likes to smile,” said Mr. Keith on Saturday in an interview. “Other people started to join. I don’t make a credit for them.” That’s a great part. ”
He said he put his eyes around the city by “release” by the nature of his work and added that he did not know who joined this effort.
Even more googly eyes appeared on the statues around Bend. Among other art installations was revived a six -meter sphere and touched the whim and Red Phoenix took part in confusion.
While the jokes have gained extensive attention, it was left to the city to remove the eyes.
“While Googly’s eyes on various works of art around the city could give you laughter,” the city said on Instagram in December, “stands money to remove it with caution, not to damage art.”
The city paid $ 1,500 for eye removal and carefully prevented damage to art, according to its spokesperson.
Some online commentators were frustrated by the city and said officials could not joke and propose better use of the city’s budget.
“These googly eyes give me hope that every day move forward,” one commentator wrote.
Mr. Keith, who lived in Bend for more than two decades, said he went to the municipal offices and offered to pay for cleaning, but did not hear back.
Bend’s communication department did not respond to Mr. Keith’s offer on Saturday and whether the city identified him as a prankster.
“Frankly, they just want to do with it,” Mr. Keith said about the city. He added that he came only after he learned of the possible damage that caused Google’s eyes.
Wtzlocal transmitter and Oregonlive.com Reported earlier that Mr. Keith is joking.
Mr. Keith said he was behind other public jokes. Said he placed white balloons around Bend after the Americans were captivated and Chinese balloon In 2023 it was carried through continental American airspace.
“I will spend 50 bucks per month on my pranks,” said Mr. Keith. “It’s about 10 cents a smile because I know how many people hit our roundabout.” It’s worth it. ”
Some cities have accepted Googly’s eyes.
After campaign and light but sincere demonstration of supporters, Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority Fastened by Googly-Eye Customs To some of their trains last year. For a short time, trains look at the eyes, confused and amused by boston riders.