Fallen dictator
2005
Philip Aguirre y Otegui
The stately bronze statue, with the external features of Belgium’s King Leopold II, has been sawed off at the ankles. The fallen leader lies on the ground beside his pedestal. The debates surrounding Belgian colonial history and television images of the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein played an important role in the creation of this work. In his anti-monument, Philip Aguirre y Otegui has created a powerful, universal image of the dethroning of rulers who have gone off the rails.
Details
- Plan number: M27
- Zone: Human Nature
- Title: Fallen dictator
- Creator: Philip Aguirre y Otegui
- Date: 2005
- Material: metal
- Acquisition: loan
- Object number: MID.LB.BK.009278
“Fallen Dictator” is about the fallibility of power. Representation of power through monuments and statues has long been a topic of discussion, and is present now more than ever in recent debates surrounding colonial monuments. Artists, and sculptors in particular, also question the classical representation of symbols of power.
Belgian contemporary artist Philip Aguirre y Otegui makes sculptures, drawings, graphic art, and assemblages. His art is simultaneously socially critical and poetic. References to art history, personal experiences, and current social and political issues often appear in his work.
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