The Embrace

[jayem]

The Embrace is a 20 foot tall bronze sculpture recently installed in the Boston Common. It was commissioned as a tribute to Martin Luther King. The sculptor, Hank Willis Thomas, based it on a photo of Dr. King hugging his wife Coretta after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I understand the intention. But in the photos, the only clearly identifiable arms appear to be Coretta’s. And it looks like they’re holding up part of a thick, round inner tube.

I do like abstract art. This one will take some time. What do others think?



In Boston, ‘The Embrace’ Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

 

[rambot]

I can't here the name Lurleen and not think of the Simpsons episode with Lurleen Lumpkin.

I think it's alright. I have CERTAINLY seen worse pieces of abstract art. Does it rank up there with some really COOL public art? I'd say no but it's alright.

When I think of cool public art I think

Well maybe that isn't "cool" but I'd laugh at it and take a picture.

 

[Tinker Grey]

The Embrace is a 20 foot tall bronze sculpture recently installed in the Boston Common. It was commissioned as a tribute to Martin Luther King. The sculptor, Hank Willis Thomas, based it on a photo of Dr. King hugging his wife Coretta after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I understand the intention. But in the photos, the only clearly identifiable arms appear to be Coretta’s. And it looks like they’re holding up part of a thick, round inner tube.

I do like abstract art. This one will take some time. What do others think?

View attachment 326766

In Boston, ‘The Embrace’ Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

I don't like it.

I have seen other pictures from the other side that show Martin's hands.

 

[Ignatius the Kiwi]

It's aesthetically ugly.

 

[Petros2015]

I do like abstract art. This one will take some time. What do others think?

Looks like another Transporter accident. Better beam that back down to where it came from.
Scotty, wipe the logs. I don't want anyone to know about this.

 

[Pommer]

If the artist was trying to convey a “look beyond one’s first impressions” (or “try to be more than just reactionary”) then this installation will have succeeded.

 

[Nithavela]

But in the photos, the only clearly identifiable arms appear to be Coretta’s. And it looks like they’re holding up part of a thick, round inner tube.

Is that what young people call it nowaways?

 

[Desk trauma]

Thoughts in no order:

A sculpture is going to be viewed and photographed from all angles. When a sculpture is supposed to memorialize a person or event and most of those angle result in a reaction of "what am I looking at?" at the most chartable it's a horrible memorial.

The image it's based on isn't so ground into our collective consciousness that it can be brought to mind via an abstract representation of it.

Why were the services of David Cronenberg retained to make a memorial ?

 

[durangodawood]

It looks like an intestine with hands.

 

[jayem]

Is that what young people call it nowaways?

Heck, I’m old enough to remember when car tires all had inner tubes.

How about saying the disembodied arms are holding up a thick round life preserver (minus the throw rope.).

 

[eleos1954]

The Embrace is a 20 foot tall bronze sculpture recently installed in the Boston Common. It was commissioned as a tribute to Martin Luther King. The sculptor, Hank Willis Thomas, based it on a photo of Dr. King hugging his wife Coretta after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I understand the intention. But in the photos, the only clearly identifiable arms appear to be Coretta’s. And it looks like they’re holding up part of a thick, round inner tube.

I do like abstract art. This one will take some time. What do others think?

View attachment 326766

In Boston, ‘The Embrace’ Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

I'd be interested to know if any of his family has made comment about it and what they think.

 

[Desk trauma]

I'd be interested to know if any of his family has made comment about it and what they think.

The family members at the unveiling had good things to say. Another, more distant relative, wrote an article about it that would violate the vulgarity rules here.