As we go through our cultural examination in the wake of people protesting America’s history of racism and police brutality, statues are the first items getting the heave-ho.
Many of the targeted statues have been of Confederate leaders and early American explorers. But as emotions are still heightened and debates around system changes are only getting started, no one is sure when or where it will stop. Some people say the destruction is a catharsis, while others call it an erasure.
Author James Barr recently posed a good question on Twitter. Are statues even good to have around?
And many art lovers and historians answered.
1. Outside of the Phippen Museum of Western Art in Prescott, Ariz.
Celebrates the cowboy spirit and contributions to the Southwest US.
https://twitter.com/WritingReader/status/1272246304312193025?s=20
2. The Appennine Colossus in Florence, Italy.
Half-man, half-mountain from the 16th century by renowned Italian sculptor Giambologna
3. The Statue Collection of Ca d’Oro, Venice, Italy.
Also known as Palazzo Santa Sofia.
4. In Scottsdale, Ariz.
One With the Eagle at the entrance of the Airpark.
https://twitter.com/WritingReader/status/1272245491397349377?s=20
5. In Manchester, England.
Commemorating the father of modern computing, Alan Turing.
6. In St. Paul, Minn., twin city of Schulz’ birthplace of Minneapolis.
Commemorating his beloved Peanuts Gang.
7. In Glasgow, Scotland.
Standing with Spain against fascism.
https://twitter.com/JaneyGodley/status/1270730692712939520?s=20
8. In Rapid City, SD.
A bronze Quarter Pounder with Cheese.
9. In Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England.
It’s a statement about moving from a time of industry to a time of information with a focus on hope.
10. Outside of Moscow.
Anton Chekhov’s doggos.
Art has always been able to unite us as well as divide us.
There are people on Twitter who say art is dangerous…and some art is.
But we should be intentional about what we throw out and what we want to keep for all to enjoy.
