solomon Okalebo

PUBLIC ART

Why Is Everyone So Mad About Public Art? In the American South, there's been a long-standing debate about whether to remove Confederate monuments. Supporters of keeping these statues argue they reflect Southern heritage and national history, while opponents believe they glorify slavery and racism. Some people are torn, wanting to acknowledge history without celebrating its darker aspects. The issue became especially heated in 2020 with the George Floyd protests, leading to the destruction and removal of many Confederate statues. Public art, including monuments and billboards, often becomes a battleground due to its deep connections to cultural and historical identity. Sarah Urist Green explores this topic in Crash Course Art History.