On Wednesday, a crew dismantled and removed a prominent 24-foot-tall metal sculpture known as “Blue” by artist Joel Shapiro from the grounds of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The sculpture, which depicts a giant stick figure that appears to be mid-motion, has been a fixture on The REACH, an addition to the Kennedy Center that opened in 2019. Its removal drew well-wishers, including family members of the late artist, who gathered to bid farewell to the piece.
According to Josef Palermo, the former curator of visual arts and special programming at the Kennedy Center who was dismissed in March, the sculpture was “targeted early on” for removal by the Trump administration. The Kennedy Center, where President Trump’s supporters now hold leadership roles, released a statement expressing gratitude to Shapiro for “the years Blue has spent animating our campus.””
Shapiro, who passed away last year, described the work as a celebration of possibility and energy. In a video featured on the Kennedy Center’s website, he noted, “It’s about action and risk and performance and energy.”
The sculpture’s ambiguous pose—standing on one leg with the other lifted and arms extended—invited viewers to interpret its movement, whether as dancing, leaping, or welcoming. Some observers suggested the Trump administration may have perceived different symbolism in the piece.
Despite its removal, there is hope for its return. A representative from the artist’s foundation, who was present during the dismantling, told attendees that “Blue” would be cleaned, reassembled, and reinstalled in a new location. The article’s author speculates that the sudden removal may only increase public interest in seeking out the towering blue figure.
How can they claim it was just routine maintenance when the curator was fired days prior? The timing is far too convenient to ignore.
Saddened to see it go, but relieved it will return. Art should provoke thought, not fear. Hope it finds a welcoming home soon.