On the erection of statues: Questions about memorials and gender

Abstract

Recent Black Lives Matter protests highlighted the symbolic potency of statues. But as much as statues can be problematic in what they memorialise, the absence of statues also speaks volumes. The gender statue gap is enormous. Discounting statues to royalty or mythical figures, only 13% of statues in the UK and 7% in the USA memorialise women. A quick glance around Christchurch shows the same pattern, with many dead white males on podiums, but only the Kate Sheppard memorial recognises the contributions of women. Groups around the world are seeking to rectify the disparity, including inVISIBLEwomen and the Public Statues and Sculptures Association, who call for nominations of women to be represented in statues. But is achieving equal representation in statues the answer to inequity? This paper seeks to explore beyond the aspiration for equity, and critiques the very nature of statues as masculinist in their ethos and their form. This critique suggests that rather than seeking equal representation, the challenge is instead to develop forms of expression that more effectively convey women’s achievements. Rather than calls for more women on podiums, a shift towards meaningful design expression could include the creation of inclusive spaces rather than exclusive objects.