Foundation - A Memorial For Democracy
Art has always been a powerful vessel for conversation, challenging the way we see the world and pushing us to reflect on where we stand. My latest piece, a sculptural work featuring a fractured concrete head resembling the Statue of Liberty, is no exception. It stands as both a warning and a tribute—a meditation on the fragile state of democracy and the enduring strength of the people who uphold it.
The head, split down the middle, is held together by delicate rods of stained glass, bearing the words "We the People." The contrast is intentional. Concrete, sturdy and seemingly unbreakable, represents the foundation of democracy. Yet, here it stands, cracked, a stark reminder that even the strongest structures can weaken. The stained glass, vibrant and fragile, embodies the citizens—the collective force that holds democracy together. But glass, though beautiful, is vulnerable. If the people shatter, democracy may crumble with them.
Presenting this fractured monument atop a red satin pillow with gold fringe adds another layer of meaning. The pillow, an object of luxury and reverence, evokes the history of monarchy and power, referencing the ceremonial traditions of past rulers. This connection is deeply intertwined with the inspiration behind the piece—the tradition of death masks, once used to immortalize the faces of royalty upon their passing. In this way, the sculpture becomes a memorial of sorts—an elegy for democracy itself, asking the viewer: Is this a system we are witnessing in its final days?
Yet, beyond the symbolism of loss, there remains a conversation—one that bridges democracy and monarchy, tradition and change, power and the people. The fractured head, though broken, is held together. It does not fall apart completely. Perhaps, this piece does not just reflect an ending but urges a reckoning, a reminder that democracy survives through those who fight for it.
Art has the ability to make visible the fractures we would rather ignore, and this piece is an invitation to see, to question, and to engage with where we stand. Are we holding on, or are we on the verge of letting go?
