The exhibition “MONUMENTS” at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) and The Brick showcases a thought-provoking display of decommissioned public Confederate statues alongside contemporary artworks. The show explores America’s complex history and the role of art in addressing issues of race, slavery, and White supremacy.
One highlight of the exhibition is Abigail DeVille’s installation “Deo Vindice (Death’s Cabinet),” which features charred colonial cabinets inspired by images of burned homes in Richmond, Virginia during the Civil War. In contrast, Julie Dash and DavĂłne Tines’s music video project “HOMEGOING” captures the tragic legacy of the Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, emphasizing the resilience and power of Black activism.
Other impactful pairings include Andres Serrano’s photographs of Ku Klux Klan members alongside Edward V. Valentine’s sculpture of Jefferson Davis, dripping in pink paint. Laura Gardin Fraser’s monument of Confederate generals faces off against Hank Willis Thomas’s poignant artwork, creating a dialogue on the visibility and vulnerability of White supremacy symbols.
Further into the exhibition, Kara Walker’s “Unmanned Drone” and Cauleen Smith’s “The Warden” offer surreal interpretations of Confederate monuments, challenging viewers to confront the inhumanity and violence embedded in these historical relics. The artworks prompt reflection on the Confederacy’s present-day implications and the ongoing struggle against systemic racism.
Notably, the exhibition’s heightened security, symbolized by a metal detector and guards at the entrance, underscores the contentious nature of the artworks on display. The inclusion of bronze ingot bars melted from Robert E. Lee’s Charlottesville monument serves as a stark reminder of America’s economic ties to slavery, hinting at the unresolved legacy of the past.
As visitors navigate the exhibition, they are confronted with a mix of history, art, and activism that encourages critical reflection on America’s complex past and present. “MONUMENTS” challenges viewers to engage with difficult truths and confront the ongoing impact of Confederate symbols in contemporary society.
The exhibition will be on display at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and The Brick in Los Angeles until May 3, 2026. Curated by Hamza Walker, Bennett Simpson, and Kara Walker, with contributions from Hannah Burstein and Paula Kroll, “MONUMENTS” offers a powerful and timely exploration of history, art, and social justice.
