Like the large painted murals that I’ve showcased in previous blog postings, commissioned public art pieces are a favorite of mine too. Ever since the very first Model to Monument exhibition six years ago, each spring I’m always eager to see the new large scale installations that have been chosen to grace Riverside South Park along the Hudson River.
Of all the sculptures, it was the piece Stand Tall, Stand Loud by artist Aaron Bell that intrigued me…not only to photograph it, but to read more about it as well. So let me start by sharing the thoughts behind the piece as described by Bell…“In essence, the piece stands for humanity against hate – Hate against race, hate against every ethnic group, hate against religion.” The piece started with a human form that included a noose that had been twisted into a circle with a line through it…meaning a banned activity. Well…the Parks Department rejected the piece and basically gave Bell the option to either lose the noose or he couldn’t be a part of the exhibit. Bottom line…Bell (reluctantly) changed his piece.
After reading more I learned from several news sources that the Parks Department found the figure “problematic” and a “disturbance” to park visitors. Well interesting that this piece is adjacent to an area where regularly scheduled yoga and pilates classes take place. I think we all can read between these lines, but I will provide a quote from one of the publications…”The City of New York is asking an African-American artist to make his work more digestible for the Boho Billionaire wives club crowd that likes to do yoga in the greenway along the Hudson River on the west side.” (observer.com)
Fast forward…after a lot of back and forth and energy on everyone’s part…let’s just say this came to the attention of some “powers of be” as perhaps an issue as it relates to the first amendment? Ya think?? So…Bell was able to make the change back to his original concept and complete his sculpture as intended. And…by the way…the bottom portion of Bell’s piece that has been there from the beginning? A quote by Martin Luther King…
Our lives begin to die the day we are silent about the things that matter.
Enough said.
I absolutely love this sculpture and in the dramatic lighting of dusk.
I had a feeling of the meaning and was surprised I was on target but so shocked and disgusted after reading the initial reaction of not only the elite supposingly peaceful yogi people of NY who are living in the middle of a world filled with crazy, dangerous people filled with discrimination but the parks would actually support them, even if they finally gave in.
I absolutely feel they didn’t want negative attention only because the artist is African American.
How dare them insult him. Either you accept someones art or you reject to display it. It is a choice – but to ask him to change it to please the phony elite is despicable.
I, personally would have not given them another chance if I were Bell. He’s a better man than I am a woman.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful vision of his sculpture and the interesting story behind it.
Oh, how I missed you.
Lots of love.
XOXO
Oh have I missed you!!! Always great to read your thoughts and I’m hoping you are on the mend!?! Totally agree with you…and like you, I’m not so sure I would’ve given them a second chance either. But, I did read that Bell felt like this was a once in a life time opportunity to showcase his work so I can understand that too. Plus as they always say…even bad publicity is good publicity and I bet this entire event has made a difference in his career. Well, at least I’m hoping so! Thank you for your voice! xoxo
I can sooooo understand the “shame” you have felt behind this post, Robin. It’s hard to believe it happened in NYC, let alone in this day and age when we are supposedly wanting to be sensitized to past and present wrongs to humanity. The entire political climate these days doesn’t help either. It feels like we’re going back to the Dark Ages…until we realize that the Dark Ages still reside in the hearts and souls of people all around us. (sigh)
So agree Ginnie. NYC would be the LAST place I would’ve ever thought I’d read about something like this happening. So we never know, do we? The Dark Ages is the perfect description…my mind goes there daily. Big sigh. Thanks for lending your thoughts!
I couldn’t agree with your “shame on you NYC” statement more. I pretty much thought NYC was the art showcase of the the USA, and that of all the places in the world I thought NYC would support and embrace all forms and expressions of art. I’m happy that in the end, the artist, Arron Bell, was able to display his piece as he intended it to be displayed. If I were the decision maker for art displayed in public places in NYC, I would have told those rich bitches in the yoga club to go find another place to do their yoga if they didn’t like the art that was being displayed in that public place… Thanks for sharing this story with us. Love you! xoxo
I know!! The entire event just left me with my mouth hanging wide open!! And I couldn’t agree with you more!! Always love hearing your thoughts! 🙂 xoxoxo
hmmm… I keep looking at your picture and the picture in the link… I do see a difference.. this one has a noose… do you want to say that those soft-soul-hot-shot-yoga-emty-headed-women (bitches might be the proper word) cannot handle the truth what is going on… get a life. I love the picture. Great sky behind it, it gives the right touch to it.
We don’t have to yell but we will never be silent. And yes shame on NYC, they should know better.
Couldn’t agree with more Astrid! Always love your take! Like so many scenarios…there’s always one or two in the crowd that make all the fuss and based on all the articles that I read…the pressure seemed to definitely be coming from this “group” for sure!
It’s a striking piece and a wondrous photo of it, the quote is most perfect. It sure makes me brissle to hear about the behavior of the yoga elite and that anyone would pay attention or let them get away with their wrong thoughts and back them up. Thanks for sharing the good, bad and sometimes ugly of your city. xo
Thanks Susan…the piece really is striking especially in the late evening when magic hour rolls in…and I agree…every city has it all…the good, the bad, the ugly! xoxo
When I saw it on IG i thought of a Viking warrior – proud and strong . I love how it is standing tall and looking into the distance.
To ask an artist to change his work so it might please some empty – headed rich women is beyond me . Especially in a city as progressive as New York.
I had the exact thought as well when I initially saw it from afar…a viking warrior! Couldn’t agree with you more…and it’s amazing how I’m hearing more of it in this city which just makes me CRAZY. If it’s getting like this in NYC…just think of what other smaller towns and cities are experiencing! I can’t even think about Arizona where there is so much bigotry and hatred. It’s definitely the weather and beauty of the desert that calls me there…certainly not the views of so many. Thank you always for your visits!
Fascinating story – I read the article in the NY Times.
I am glad he pushed back
So glad he pushed back too! Thanks for your visit! xoxo