The State of Things in Denver
We were invited by Don Russell of Provisions Library to take part in a public art intervention called BrushFire. Provisions, with funding from CrossCurrents Foundation invited several artists to present public art pieces in the heartland during the Presidential campaign to draw attention to important issues.
We decided to present an ice sculpture of the word “Democracy” in both convention cities of Denver and St. Paul. These would be complemented by live video streaming and a special blog called Voices for Democracy with commentary by us and internet visitors as a way to expand on the piece.
Unveiling of the ice sculpture in Denver
Democracy ice sculpture in front of the MCA Denver
In Denver, we installed the sculpture in front of the MCA Denver. It was within walking distance of the Pepsi Center, where the Democratic Convention was taking place.
Close up of the sculpture during the night
Bystanders were struck by the sculpture’s timliness and awed by its beauty as it waned through the night.
Political delegates were feted at the museum during the convention, and on the day we unveiled our piece, the New York state delegation arrived for an evening reception.
New York state Democratic delegate in front of the sculpture
Representative Jerry Nadler with the artists in front of their "Democracy"
The installation lasted throughout the night, and disappeared by early morning.