A critique of monuments

Abstract

This article deals with the purpose of monuments, both sculptural and architectural. At issue is the assessment of the congruence between the aesthetic design and material expression, and the ethical or ideological meaning of monuments. Historical examples have been selected from the category of architectural structures and statues representing defunct ideologies. Such structures are often neglected, vandalised, destroyed, toppled, appropriated or recycled by rival groups. The discussion also focuses on two proposed monuments, both of which are intended to honour the victims of past events inspired by ideological bias. An attempt is made to solve the problem of
remembering the past in ways other than the erection of monumental constructions intended to celebrate past or present political ideologies or heroes.