Hank Willis Thomas's MLK Sculpture, Time Capsules, Lucha Libre

January 21, 2023

This week, the new MLK sculpture in Boston has been at the top of the art news. Created by Hank Willis Thomas, the giant bronze work is drawing mixed reactions.

Personally, I find it fine, but the bigger question for me is why the photograph on which the work is based is not more visible to visitors (it seems important for people to know the original photograph and quite confusing for those who don't). Also, it's the year 2023 — the in-person experience is only part of an artwork. Most people will see this via a screen, so those responses are just as legitimate as any others. The artist's decision to dismiss all criticism is unfortunate. Also, the artist's Freudian slip on CNN is priceless.

In one of this week's more surprising developments, gallerist Collier Gwin was arrested for hosing down an unhoused woman in San Francisco. In case you missed it, last week artist Courtney Desiree Morris staged a 75-minute performance outside of the gallery in response to his cruel action. Gwin has since said, "I’m committed to making amends and helping others."

In addition, check out our reviews of two shows on Pre-Raphaelite art in Delaware, two solo shows that explore feminism and architecture in Chicago, and John Yau's review of Odili Donald Odita in New York.

— Hrag Vartanian, editor-in-chief

Ukrainians Demand Their Place in Art History

No one would call an artist from India “British” or an artist from Peru “Spanish,” so why do museums continue to label Ukrainian artists as “Russian”? | Lisa Korneichuk

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