The Resolute Desk (sculpture)
| The Resolute Desk | |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Medium | Sculpture |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
The Resolute Desk, a satirical political art installation by an anonymous artist "memorializing" the January 6 United States Capitol attack, was installed on the National Mall, in Washington, D.C., in October 2024.[1][2][3][4] The sculpture has been vandalized and received a mixed reaction.
Description
[edit]The Resolute Desk is a bronze-colored sculpture by an anonymous artist depicting a poop emoji on Nancy Pelosi's desk.[5][6] Objects on the desk include file folders, a landline phone, a nameplate, a stack of Post-it notes, and a smartphone.[7]
A plaque reads: "This memorial honors the brave men and women who broke into the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021, to loot, urinate, and defecate throughout those hallowed halls in order to overturn an election. President Trump celebrates these heroes of January 6th as 'unbelievable patriots' and 'warriors.' This monument stands as a testament to their daring sacrifice and lasting legacy."[8]
History
[edit]The artwork was installed in October 2024. A permit was requested by Julia Jimenez-Pyzik via Civic Crafted LLC and granted by the National Park Service. Originally slated to remain installed on the National Mall until October 30,[5] the permit was extended until November 6.[9] The nameplate went missing.[10]
Reception
[edit]The work has received a mixed reaction. According to The Daily Telegraph, "Some found it amusing, while others questioned the propriety of the NPS allowing the display just days before a contentious election."[11] Sebastian Smee of The Washington Post wrote, "I think it's brilliant. Beyond brilliant, actually. It may be the most urgently important public monument of our time."[12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Heim, Joe (2024-10-24). "Poop statue appears on the National Mall to 'honor' Jan. 6 rioters". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 2269358. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ Beaujon, Andrew (2024-10-30). "National Park Service Says the January 6 Poop Statue Can Stick Around Until After Election Day". Washingtonian. ISSN 0043-0897. OCLC 37264488. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ Erickson, Bo (2024-10-24). "Poop-emoji statue near US Capitol evokes stain of Jan. 6 riot". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ Venkat, Mia (2024-10-25). "Scatalogical sculpture creates conversation on National Mall". NPR. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ a b Betts, Anna (2024-10-25). "New poop statue displayed near US Capitol to 'honor' January 6 rioters". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. ISSN 0261-3077. OCLC 60623878. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ Cohen, Gabe (2024-10-29). "Political art mysteriously pops up in DC ahead of Election Day". CNN. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ Nayyar, Rhea (2024-10-25). "Sculpture of a Turd on Nancy Pelosi's Desk Appears on National Mall". Hyperallergic. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ Alund, Natalie Neysa (2024-10-25). "Satirical poop statue gets permit on National Mall, drawing viewers". USA Today. Gannett. ISSN 0734-7456. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "NPS extends permit for Jan. 6 desk statue on the National Mall; Tiki Torch at Freedom Plaza to be removed on Halloween". WUSA. 2024-10-31. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "A mystery swirls around Capitol poop statue: Who took Pelosi's nameplate?". The Washington Post. 2024-10-27.
- ^ Sabur, Rozina (2024-10-25). "Anti-Trump 'poop' sculpture erected on National Mall after sign-off by government agency". The Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. ISSN 0307-1235. OCLC 49632006. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
- ^ "The poop desk sculpture is great public art, actually". The Washington Post. 2024-10-25.
