Administered by United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Washington District of Columbia
Located John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Entrance Washington District of Columbia 20566
Date:
1965-1971
Notes:
Save Outdoor Sculpture, District of Columbia survey, 1994.
Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, pg. 481-482.
Summary:
Relief on the west side of the plaza at the entrance to the Kennedy Center is a tableau of people, buildings, and objects which represent the German artist's image of America. From left to right the images depicted are: a group of nude figures all reaching up toward sacks of wheat which are being unloaded from a U.S. ship docked at a nearby wharf (represents American foreign aid and the idea of survival); flanked by classical columns, five nude males stand around debating each other (represents free speech); large car bumpers with teeth for grills (represents technology); skyscrapers adorned with the phrases, "DONT WALK," "SOFT SELL," "PEACE ON EARTH," "BLESSED ARE THE MEEK," and large heads, lips, and eyes (represents the consumer apt to be persuaded by advertisers); Statue of Liberty standing in the midst of billowing clouds of smoke and flames, to her proper left, there are a group of flags, cannons pointing out from the bow of a ship, and a rocket taking off (represents threats to liberty).
