Monument to Joe Louis | |
---|---|
The Fist | |
Artist | Robert Graham (sculptor) |
Year |
|
Type | Sculpture |
Medium |
|
Dimensions | 7.3 m× 3.5 m× 7.3 m(24 ft× 11.5 ft× 24 ft) |
Weight |
|
Location | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
42°19′43″N83°02′40″W / 42.328694°N 83.044544°W | |
Owner | Detroit Institute of Arts |
Website | https://www.dia.org/art/collection/object/monument-joe-louis-46291 |
The Monument to Joe Louis, known also as The Fist, [1] is a memorial dedicated to boxer Joe Louis located at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Woodward Avenue in Detroit, near Hart Plaza. [2]
Dedicated on October 16, 1986, the sculpture, commissioned by Sports Illustrated from the Mexican-American sculptor Robert Graham (1938–2008), and poured by the legendary bronze artist, Rolf Kriken, is a 24-foot-long (7.3 m) arm with a fisted hand suspended by a 24-foot-high (7.3 m) pyramidal framework. [3] [2] The sculpture weighs 5000 pounds and the total weight including the framework is 8000 pounds. [4] [5]
The inscription on the back of the arm reads:
MONUMENT
TO
JOE LOUIS
BY
ROBERT GRAHAM
A GIFT FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF
DETROIT. THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF
ARTS AND ITS FOUNDERS SOCIETY
ON THE OCCASION OF THE MUSEUM'S
CENTENNIAL. 1885-1985.
It represents the power of his punch both inside and outside the ring. Because of Louis' efforts to fight Jim Crow laws, the fist was symbolically intended as a statement against racism. [6] Graham referred to the sculpture as a "battering ram". [7] It is claimed to be an historical metaphor, even down to its placement (pointing toward Canada). [8]
The sculpture was vandalized by two white men in 2004, who covered it in white paint and left a sign which read, "Courtesy of Fighting Whities". [7] Graham responded that the piece was "working" if it aroused passion. [7]
The sculpture is one of two monuments in Detroit honoring Joe Louis. The other is a full-size statue of Louis located inside the Huntington Place convention center. [9]
In 2013, Detroit-based artist Jerry Vile placed a 4-ft. tall can of Crisco in front of the monument [10] with a statement indicating it was for "helping to ease the pain of Detroit's bankruptcy." [11] Many interpreted the can as a reference to fisting, [12] a sex act in which Crisco is sometimes used as lubricant. [13]
Fisting—also known as fist fucking (FF), handballing, and brachioproctic or brachiovaginal insertion—is a sexual activity that involves inserting one or more hands into the rectum or the vagina. Fisting may be performed on oneself (self-fisting) or performed on one person by another. People who engage in fisting are often called "fisters".
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Robert Graham was a Mexican-born American sculptor based in the state of California in the United States. His monumental bronzes commemorate the human figure, and are featured in public places across America.
Events from the year 1986 in art.
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The Stonewall Jackson Monument in Richmond, Virginia, was erected in honor of Thomas Jonathon "Stonewall" Jackson, a Confederate general. The monument was located at the centre of the crossing of Monument Avenue and North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, in Richmond, Virginia. The bronze equestrian statue was unveiled in 1919. Along this avenue were other statues including Robert E. Lee, J. E. B. Stewart, Jefferson Davis, Matthew Maury and more recently Arthur Ashe. Thomas Jackson is best known as one of Robert E. Lee's most trusted commanders throughout the early period of the American Civil War between Southern Confederate states and Northern Union states. He rose to prominence after his vital role in the Confederate victory at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861, continuing to command troops until his untimely death on May 10, 1863, after falling fatally ill following the amputation of his wounded arm.
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