Thomas Hirschhorn in Art21, Season 7, "Investigation" https://art21.org/watch/art-in-the-twenty-first-century/s7/thomas-hirschhorn-in-investigation-segment/ Journal Prompt: In a minimum of 150 words, respond to the following prompts: Compa

The Sam Houston Monument and Thomas Hirschhorn's Gramsci Monument both serve as tributes to influential figures, but they do so in markedly different ways. The Sam Houston Monument, a traditional bronze statue, commemorates the Texan leader's legacy with a formal and exalted representation that evokes admiration and reverence. In contrast, Hirschhorn's Gramsci Monument, an installation in a public housing complex in the Bronx, is constructed from materials like cardboard and duct tape, reflecting a raw, accessible aesthetic that directly engages the surrounding community. While both monuments aim to honor individuals and provoke thought about their contributions, the Sam Houston Monument reinforces historical grandeur and separation, inviting spectators to view it from a distance. Conversely, Hirschhorn's approach invites interaction; it emphasizes dialogue, solidarity, and accessibility. The use of ephemeral materials in Gramsci's Monument fosters a sense of urgency and invites participation, encouraging a communal reflection on memory and politics amidst the backdrop of contemporary social issues. Thus, while both monuments serve to memorialize, their differing materials shape the contexts in which they enable engagement with memory, context, and social responsibility.