Statue ‘Blue’ Removed from Kennedy Center

A 24-foot-tall statue named Blue was removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 2. The stick-figure sculpture, depicted in a mid-kick pose, was designed and created by Joel Shapiro in 2019. Shapiro had previously described the structure as a “celebration of possibility” focused on “action and risk and performance energy,” as underlined by PBS and NPR.

Witnesses observed as cranes dismantled the statue. CNN reported that the removal was part of a larger plan by the Trump administration for future renovations. AP News highlights opponents’ thoughts, arguing that the removal of Blue is connected to efforts to increase Donald Trump’s influence over the institution.

WUSA reports that Blue will be relocated in the future. The removal sparked protests from a group called “Hands Off the Arts,” who labeled the decision as “buffoonery.” Further reports from The Hill cite the statue’s value at $250 million.

Reuters underlines how Blue was a part of a collection called the “REACH,” which served as an expansion of the Kennedy Center. Forbes addressed the Shapiro family’s reaction, where Joel’s daughter said that her father would be “alarmed” by the fact that the sculpture had been taken down. Monumental art pieces like Blue are special to the arts community, so when they’re quickly dismantled, it can be seen as disrespectful to those involved with the piece.

Image Courtesy of Carol Highsmith by Picryl.