Why Does Donald Trump Hate This Sculpture?
The president wants the Smithsonian to add a colossal George Washington statue—and remove another work of abstract art in D.C.
TL;DR
- Donald Trump has demanded the removal of the abstract sculpture 'Infinity' from the National Mall.
- He wants 'Infinity' replaced with a 30-foot high 'Colossus' of George Washington.
- Trump also called for a five-year exhibition about George Washington and a 'Center for American Heroes.'
- The president has previously shown a preference for classical architecture and representational art.
- Trump's actions align with a pattern of promoting his preferred version of history and disliking abstract art.
- Abstraction has historically been subject to criticism, with opponents viewing it as un-American or destructive.
- The article contrasts abstract art's openness to interpretation with the layered meanings of figures like George Washington.
- The Smithsonian already has a classical statue of George Washington and the Washington Monument is visible nearby.