Absent Monuments Sculpture

Can a monument be absent? At the Absent Monuments Sculpture in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this question takes on a vibrant, mirrored form. The Absent Monuments Sculpture, part of artist Rose DeSiano’s ongoing series, isn’t about what’s missing. It’s about what’s been overlooked. DeSiano’s mirrored obelisks rise from plinths decorated with blue and white Delft tiles. These tiles showcase a mix of original and archival images, telling the stories of Brooklyn’s dynamic waterfront. The Absent Monuments Sculpture reflects the bustling history of mercantilism, colonization, war, abolitionism, women’s activism, immigration, and modern urbanization. The floral motifs woven into the tiles pay homage to the region’s Native American heritage. They also acknowledge other communities displaced throughout Brooklyn’s history. The obelisk shape itself alludes to fallen empires and underrepresented African cultures. The mirrored surface of the Absent Monuments Sculpture isn’t just decorative. It reflects the viewer, placing them directly within this rich tapestry of history. It’s a celebration of the present while acknowledging the past. Each obelisk at the Absent Monuments Sculpture is a dedication. A dedication to the untold stories of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods. A dedication to the unsung residents of modern-day Brooklyn. These towering, luminous structures aim to correct the very absence they represent. They transform a void into a vibrant reflection of history and community.