Reconstructed Christopher Columbus Monument Installed at White House After 2020 Protest Destruction
A reproduction of a Christopher Columbus monument destroyed during demonstrations in Baltimore in 2020 has been placed on White House property. Baltimore-based artist Tilman Hemsley and his son Will Hemsley rebuilt the sculpture using fragments recovered from the city's Inner Harbor, where protesters had discarded it. The installation represents the restoration of a contested historical figure's representation following its removal during widespread social justice protests.
Key facts
- A replica of a Christopher Columbus statue demolished in 2020 has been installed at the White House
- The original statue was destroyed by protesters in Baltimore
- Baltimore artist Tilman Hemsley and his son Will Hemsley reconstructed the monument
- The artists used reassembled pieces from the original statue retrieved from Baltimore's Inner Harbor
- The installation occurred following the statue's destruction during 2020 protests
Entities
Artists
- Tilman Hemsley
- Will Hemsley
Institutions
- White House
Locations
- Baltimore
- Inner Harbor
Sources
- Artforum —