The recent removal and defacing of Confederate and imperialist monuments in different parts of the world have sparked debates over the erasure of history versus confronting violence and oppression. The project "Future to Be Rewritten #2" reflects on Azra Aksamija's decision to withdraw her winning proposal for a public art commission in Cambridge, Massachusetts, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution. The selection process for the commission involved distinct proposals, community engagement, public feedback, and jury evaluation. Aksamja’s proposal aimed to create a dignified space for reflection on voting rights, social justice, and democracy. However, due to criticism regarding the lack of inclusion of BIPOC artists, the city hesitated to proceed with the contract. In response, the artist chose to withdraw her proposal, offering the city the opportunity to find a new solution that addresses the competition process flaw and promotes diversity. The artist believes that the issue cannot be resolved solely through artistic means and suggests a new competition or direct commissioning of BIPOC artist(s) as the best way forward. This decision was made to ensure fairness for both new artists and the original project, acknowledging the need for marginalized voices to be extensively represented. By withdrawing the proposal, the artist highlights the complexities of identity politics in building new monuments and raises questions about the role of art in driving social change.
Concept and artistic direction: Azra Aksamija.
Installation development and production: Julika Bosch, Katharina Klang.
Research and design development team of the Fitire to Be rewritten #1: Mariana Gonz.lez Medrano, Jaya Eyzaguirre, Isadora Dannin, Thera Webb.
Installation
Commissioned for the Adjustable Monuments exhibition at the Philara Collection, Düsseldorf, DE, curated by Julika Bosch.
Medium: Wall paint, vinyl tape, brass strips engraved with text, vitrine with project documentation.
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 3 m (varialble)