George W Bush Monument

 
 
Hey everyone,

The George W Bush Monument was recently published in the Public Art Review, 'the world's leading journal devoted exclusively to the field of contemporary public art.'  It was included in the 'U.S. Recent Projects' section of the special 20th Anniversary Issue (issue 40, spring/summer 2009) titled "Here to Stay: Public Art and Sustainability."  (You can purchase an issue here)

Thank you to Jack Becker and everyone at Public Art Review for including this project in their prestigous journal!

The text of article reads:

"While Barack Obama was getting sworn into office in January, one artist sought to instantly memorialize his predecessor. Broc Blegen, a student at the University of Minnesota, showed up at the inauguration with his "alternative to the traditional model of figurative presidential monuments": a portable, inflatable 20-foot George W. Bush Monument.  Referring to the materials, Blegen said that "airbrushed vinyl and air convey a less durable political legacy" than that of presidents who get memorialized in stone.  The material choice also reflects the "comedic and informal nature of President Bush, which may be one of his enduring qualities."  The artist inflated the statue behind the Lincoln Memorial in the moments that the 43rd president was becoming history, so as to immediately confront people leaving the historic inauguration ceremony.  Blegen was not taken aback when some "felt the need to act violently" toward his "instant monument," throwing shoes at it and even toppling it in imitation of the famous fall of the Saddam statue in Baghdad.  What did surprise him was his piece remaining on view for over an hour and a half before officials ordered it taken down.  Blegen says it was stranger still that, despite stringent security restrictions, he and his cohorts got to the Loncoln Memorial carrying "a small generator and two large boxes," without ever being stopped or questioned.  Blegen wants to inflate the monument at several locations across the country and abroad - sites that were important parts of Bush's life and presidency.  In doing so, he says, it will provide a physical context to discuss George W. Bush and his term in office.  See more at www.georgebushmonument.com."
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4/27/2011 12:18:42 pm

If you wish to be the best man, you must suffer the bitterest of the bitter.

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