Memory, Sculpture and The American Narrative

American Memory

In the wake of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the inauguration of a new president and vice president, this country has much to consider with regards to memory. The American past and present has proved rife with evasion of the memories that lie tucked under the carpet of our constitution. Yet, memories of slavery, colonialism, servitude, abuse and inequality have forever found their way back to the forefront of the nation. 

This new administration’s hope is to rekindle the flame of democracy. Biden’s inaugural address as 46th President of the United States was centered on “pleads for unity.” In order for us to have unity, we must, united address a country’s collective memory. That means confronting the aggression we wish to put behind us. 

The American Flag: A Symbol of Unity?

How have we remembered being a country? How do we stand as one today? Sandy Williams IV, artist and filmmaker, explores these questions and more in his most recent sculpture, Wax Monument IV (Free Wax). The work is on display through March 2021 for free at Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, NY. 

Wax Monument is made of wax. Its shape roughly resembles the American flag. The gigantic black and white piece rests “upon a pulverized black dirt base shaped like the borough of Queens.” This artwork begs to be literally set aflame, as many wish to do with the memories of this land. Multiple wicks lie on the sides of the flag that can be kindled at any moment. 

In the act of setting this art aflame, the flag begins to disintegrate, but come alive at once. The holes that emerge are holes in the narrative of memory of this nation. The melting of patriotism, the utmost symbol of unity, helps prove that action must be taken upon American memory. We can be united in addressing that American memory is incomplete at times. A confrontation of the actions in history that transpired to create America can now define what it means to be an American.