June 3, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Red Paint Completely Changed This ‘Serve and Protect’ Sculpture During the Protests

by twistedsifter

serve and protect sculpture red paint salt lake city protests 2020.jpg3  Red Paint Completely Changed This Serve and Protect Sculpture During the Protests

 

During the large-scale protests this past weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, a public artwork had its symbolic meaning completely transformed when demonstrators poured red paint onto the giant hands.

“Serve and Protect” is a large bronze sculpture by artist Gregory Ragland depicting two hands side-by-side with their palms facing upward, demonstrating the sign language, ‘to serve’. The public art commission was completed in 2013 and measures 20′ x 20′ x 38″ and is located outside of the Public Safety Building.

The striking symbolism of the bright red paint pooling like blood has sparked debate online. From cries of vandalism to being a powerful political/protest statement, the opinions on such an act span the spectrum. What’s clear is that art matters, and can be a powerful form of expression and frustration.

 

 

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