Today, Wednesday October 20th, at 6-7:30 PM, the Museum of Arts and Design will host a discussion about the colonial legacy of Christopher Columbus, for whom Columbus Circle is named. The statue of Columbus was erected there in 1892 and continues to be a controversial New York City landmark as much as a point of reference for the Italian American community. Convened by artist Sheila Pepe (CRF 2019) on the occasion of Carrie Moyer and Sheila Pepe: Tabernacles for Trying Times, this conversation centers the voices of four artists, all of them New Yorkers and sculptors with an Italian heritage that has shaped their identities and artistic practices to varying degrees. Nancy Azara (CRF 2010) is among these artists. Moderated by Gabriela López Dena, architect and manager of public programs at MAD, Facing Columbus will weave themes of representation and assimilation with the history of the MAD building. The program will begin with an introduction by curatorial assistant Alida Jekabson, who will present her research on the site where the museum stands today.
Tune in for the conversation at the Museum or online. For more information and to get your tickets, click here.