Monumental Misrememberings: Photographs and Statues of Contested Histories

The building and dismantling of public monuments has a long history that stretches across the globe. In recent years, escalating economic inequality, a legacy of systemic racism, and political divisiveness in the United States have fueled intense public debates over who belongs and who holds the majority of power. Monuments, which often convey the idea that history is made by particular individuals, are seen by some as symbols of European colonialism and North American white supremacy and have been the focal point for much conflict and political unrest.

This exhibition featured two small versions of larger statues that call into into question the authority and validity of monuments that celebrate imperialism. Also on view was a slide presentation of recent photographs that document citizens in various cities protesting, defacing, or destroying monuments that are seen as symbols of historical oppression. This display was meant to promote dialogue around past events as well as current political aspirations. What would it look like to create public monuments that reckon with our past but also celebrate the diversity of our present?