Commemorative sculpture is value laden and holds aesthetic meaning in its simple essence. Not only is there a dollar cost to placing sculpture in a community, but there is embedded value or aesthetic meaning in what it brings to a community setting. The reverse can also true when sculpture is poorly thought out, or executed by a less than competent sculptor which can actually end up being a burden and eyesore to the community. For example there are sculptures in our community that are in dire need of being repaired, reconditioned or removed. Whether the sculpture offers the viewer a pleasant visual experience or does the opposite by reinforcing a negative impression, commemorative sculpture is a powerful communication tool that can influence the viewer for decades and generations to come.
It’s not uncommon for commemorative sculpture to wax and wane in terms of what is relevant to a community. Viewers of the sculpture will come away with multiple perspectives, meaning that the synergy of the interpretive experience will translate in different ways. As example, sculptures that are of a particular figure from a specific period in history, may change in its popularity as decades pass to a new generation of viewers. For example there are thousands of sculptures of notable individuals from the Greek and Roman eras that are housed in museums or public squares that have been placed in storage to make way for newer pieces of sculpture to display. If cast in bronze these sculptures will never be destroyed but they may disappear for a long periods, then resurface again at another time for a special exhibit. I have always maintained that sculpture is a living and revolving form of art in that it can’t be destroyed and will in one form or another emerge and reemerge in different settings and circumstances.
Finally, commemorative sculpture can serve as a “thank you” offered by a community of people to the individual being memorialized. As one way of paying respect and showing appreciation to an individual whose service to the community helped that community flourish in some way, commemorative sculpture acts as a lasting tribute to that individual. These types of sculptures remind the public that good deeds of historical significance won’t be forgotten as long as the sculpture remains visible to the public.
Little Known Factual Tid-Bits about Famous Commemorative Sculpture
The winning design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was called the "black gash" by critics. Opponents included Texas billionaire, Ross Perot. It is now the most visited monument in the U.S.
The FDR Memorial covers 7½ acres and has cost nearly $50 million. Its critics succeeded in getting rid of his cigarette holder and his wheelchair as George Bush convinced congress to allocate funds for completion.
The Statue of Liberty may never have been funded if the newspaper owner, William Randolph Hearst, had not focused the effort by soliciting contributions through his newspapers.
Many of the French populace considered the Eiffel Tower an ugly eye sore and wanted it torn down.
The Jefferson Memorial seemed doomed because it would require a few Cherry trees to be removed. FDR finally pushed through the funding to add it to the Washington Tidal Basin.
http://www.arttrust.net/news/monuments/
