La Vaughn Belle

This work was developed in response to the curatorial proposal that asked this critical question: Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy? Belle’s response pulls not only from the historical context the theme of exhibition is based upon, but also connects it to the imperial conditions of today.

Jeannette Ehlers is an artist and all of her art is centered around questions concerning structural racism. As the 100-year commemoration of the end of slavery in Denmark approaches, Jeannette decides to erect a monument - a huge statue of the female rebel leader Queen Mary, who was one of the main forces behind Denmark's first rebellion by enslaved people.