A WORLD OF UNITY & DISSENSION:
sculpture symbolizing duke's student body
by Christine Kinyua
On March 19, 2001, Duke student newspaper, The Chronicle, published a paid advertisement titled, “Ten Reasons Why Reparations for Slavery is a Bad Idea -- and Racist Too.” The article incited controversy due to its problematic content, which divided the student body in support and opposition of this advertisement’s message. Furthermore, it raised the then-ignored issue for underrepresentation of minorities at Duke.
Since then, incidents similar to this one have occurred on campus, all contributing to greater self segregation and interracial tensions within the Duke community. In moments like these, we have the opportunity to remind the student body, through art, to work on issues of unity, continuously.
Since then, incidents similar to this one have occurred on campus, all contributing to greater self segregation and interracial tensions within the Duke community. In moments like these, we have the opportunity to remind the student body, through art, to work on issues of unity, continuously.
The proposed installation is a globe held up by a hand. The globe itself serves as a metaphorical representation of students, Duke life, and the world. The distortion of the globe’s spherical shape plays on the idea of students being pulled in different directions despite the supposed collective nature of the student body. The entire monument, supported by the arm that is Duke University, despite its elegant aesthetic, represents conflict within the Duke bubble.
The Bryan Center Plaza sees constant student traffic, ensuring consistent engagement with the physical space there. The memorial in this location would provide a valuable place for students to congregate with friends or muse in quiet contemplation.
The Bryan Center Plaza sees constant student traffic, ensuring consistent engagement with the physical space there. The memorial in this location would provide a valuable place for students to congregate with friends or muse in quiet contemplation.
