 Kvinneakt is often referred to as the most notorious of the sculptures installed in the Transit Mall during the 1970s . In addition to being somewhat controversial because it is a nude , the sculpture has also received mixed reviews as a work of art . In 1981 , Taylor recalled that following the sculpture 's first installation one man told him that " he ought to be ashamed of himself . " In 1985 Jeff <unk> of The Oregonian listed the work as one of the city 's " worst sculptures " . In the article , Claire Kelly , director of Portland State University 's art and architecture program said , " She 's more than simplistic , she 's absurd . It 's not a piece that belongs on public display . " In contrast , Monk Magazine described the sculpture as " the best @-@ looking girl in Portland " with " her stunning eyes and voluptuous figure " . According to the magazine , Portland is the only city in the United States with a " flasher statue " . The sculpture was included in Kate Chynoweth 's 2003 book , The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest : A Romantic Travel Guide , as one of Portland 's " romantic highlights " . 
