Stony Brook University Professor of Art Michele Bogart testified before the New York City Public Design Commission on April 16 as officials wrestled with a plan to remove a Central Park statue of J. Marion Sims, a doctor who experimented on slaves during the 19th Century.
“History matters – don’t run from it,” Bogart said. “The Sims monument is part of New York City’s history. The significance of the monument does not derive merely from our present day feelings and our assessments of whether the subject of the work was a good or bad person. The meaning of public sculptures goes far beyond that.”
Bogart’s testimony was extensively covered in the press:
- City will move statue of doctor who experimented on slaves to Brooklyn cemetery (N.Y. Daily News)
- City Orders Sims Statue Removed From Central Park (N.Y. Times)
- NYC commission unanimously approves statue’s removal (N.Y. Post)
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