Thomas Hirschhorn's Gramsci Monument in Bronx Housing Project Blurs Art and Community

Between July 1 and September 15, 2013, the Gramsci Monument was created by Swiss artist Thomas Hirschhorn at Forest Houses, a NYCHA site in the Bronx. This initiative included daily philosophy discussions led by Marcus Steinweg, Gramsci Seminars held weekly, an Art School workshop, and events such as a Running Event featuring Jamar Foster. Activities encompassed excursions to cultural landmarks and performances by local high school students. Hirschhorn, with a team that included Dia curator Yasmil Raymond, consistently engaged with the community, emphasizing principles like Form, Equality, Resistance, and Universality. The project drew attention from individuals like mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio and disseminated Marxist thought through various platforms. High-resolution images of the artworks can be found on the website gramsci-monument.com.