Charles Chakkalo

Sculpting a Dream: Artist Can’t Cross Beyond Color Barrier

An independent perspective on Harriet Tubman Sculpture Philadelphia Pennsylvania being white not black African American

Something you should know about me is that I’m an active listener of Michael Smerconish. Most weeks I listen to all his content. Today he covered a story where:

  • Philadelphia initially invited a white artist to design a statue of Harriet Tubman for City Hall, leading to complaints and controversy.
  • Following public outcry, Philadelphia ended its partnership with the white artist, opened an open call (think of an auction style) for submissions. Now, five semifinalist designs are in the running. All remaining candidates are Black artists.
  • The city faced criticism for not having a public selection process and for selecting a white artist to create the statue, triggering discussions about the role of racial identity in art.

Full NY Times story here.

Did we seriously get to a point where 60 years (we just celebrated this milestone two days ago) after MLK’s most famous speech, only people of certain backgrounds and skin tones can say certain things?

I think art should be judged by the beholder. If necessary, judge the artist by the content of their character, not the color of their skin!

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King Jr., Aug 28, 1963

We all come from unique stories. In our minds we are the only and most accurate representations of those stories. But let all artists speak. Let haters hate, let flatterers flatter, let artisans create inaccurate work.

The best part of letting artists do this is that people would be forced to educate themselves on the complexities and nuances in the world.

I invite dialogue. Reply to this email, let me know your thoughts. Disagree, compliment, or insult me. All is welcomed!

No one knows anything. Keep learning. Stay curious. Never stop questioning.

Thank you again for joining Marketplace of Ideas (what I’m calling this for now). I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you!

To an independent-thinking, knowledge-seeking, and skeptical you.

Thank you again for joining Marketplace of Ideas (what I’m calling this for now). I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you!

To an independent-thinking, knowledge-seeking, and skeptical you.