Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A mural on a Lawrenceville home featuring luminary Pittsburgh-born songwriter and composer Stephen Collins Foster, sometimes dubbed “The Father of American Music” but whose work has come under re-examination of late, has been painted over by the artist who originally created the piece.
3 comments:
I haven’t been able to see any of Jeremy Raymer’s work around town (that I know of), but I’d be interested to see how this one turns out. I do question why Pittsburgh needs this mural now. The article plays off the potential negative cultural and critical response but I think the author is right that Foster’s life should be subject to re-examination. While musicians were artists that doesn’t mean that their historical and cultural footprint should be treated differently than confederate generals. Our country recently has started to accept that these monuments and nods to a problematic history are not necessary and there are other things to celebrate and remember. I’m interested to keep following this mural and to see others’ responses. Pittsburgh is a northern city, one not notoriously known for keeping relics of the confederacy alive, so once again I do question the necessity of this mural, but would still like to see how the artist visually handles it.
It is heartening to see that an artist would question the values of past work. This shows honor to oneself and to the community, an impressive feat. I wonder why though the artist created or was commissioned to create the mural in the first place? This could have been the time that it was commissioned but still is somewhat confusing to an honor a questionable figure. I agree with Benjamin's point about how there isn't necessarily a need but I think even if it isn't necessary to be taken down, it is a kind gesture. It shows connectedness and that one area is helping out another. I think this is a valuable gesture even if it is small and not seen by people out of the local Pittsburgh area.
What a refreshing story to hear these days. To go back and change art, to paint over it and give a message of peace and unity is wonderful. The one thing the article does not mention is if the homeowners approached the artist to replace the mural, or if the artist wanted to do so first. Either way I'm glad that the mural of Foster is being painted over. I completely agree with Ben's sentiment that while artists as well, musicians should not be honored for work that has hate or discrimination in it. Good on this artist for taking this monument to Foster away. Artist should be conscientious with their work and This one is most certainly endeavoring to do so. And that is certainly commendable.
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