Episode #221: This episode of the ART21 "Exclusive" series features the residents and volunteers behind Thomas Hirschhorn's “Gramsci Monument” (2013)—each of whom worked with the artist to create the site-specific participatory sculpture at the Forest Houses complex in the Bronx, New York. They discuss their experiences working with Hirschhorn, describing how the project affected their lives and their understanding of art. “A monument is usually something that is stable and doesn’t move” says Erik Farmer, the Tenants Association President. “This is a temporary monument—something I had never heard of—but Thomas explained to me what he wanted to do and how he wanted to integrate the residents into the monument.” Volunteer Lex Brown explains that because the “Gramsci Monument” only lasted for two and a half months, “there’s an urgency to it, and without that urgency, it would not be the same thing.” Thomas was at the monument every day while it was open, during which the residents became closely acquainted with his personality and motivations. “He doesn't want anything to interfere with his project,” says resident and monument staff member Dannion Jordan. "If you’re not interfering with his project, everything is good."

While enlisting the participation of the residents of a Bronx public housing development to develop a sprawling installation out of everyday materials, Thomas Hirschhorn poses political and philosophical questions, and searches for alternative models of thinking and being. The process leads to the creation of a new kind of monument that, while physically ephemeral, lives on in collective memory.

Learn more about the artist at:
https://art21.org/artist/thomas-hirschhorn

CREDITS: Producer: Ian Forster & Nick Ravich. Consulting Producer: Wesley Miller. Interviewer: Nick Ravich & Susan Sollins. Camera: Nicholas Lindner, John Marton, Rafael Salazar & Joel Shapiro. Sound: Tom Bergin, Eric Diebner, Judy Karp, Mark Mandler & John Zecca. Editor: Michelle Chang & Morgan Riles. Artwork Courtesy: Thomas Hirschhorn. “Turn It Up” by Skull Snaps Courtesy: Samm Culley, Tom Price, Ervan Waters & Mark Shawn Music. Special Thanks: Dia Art Foundation, New York City Housing Authority, Janet Bethea, Lex Brown, Harry Drake, Erik Farmer, Marcus Green, Adam Guessongo, Barbara Jenkins, Faye Jones, Dannion Jordan, Romain Lopez, Marcella Paradise, Yasmil Raymond, Stanley Scott, Freddy Velez. Theme Music: Peter Foley.

ART21 "Exclusive" is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; 21c Museum Hotel, and by individual contributors.

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