Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Symbolism in Monuments

When a monument is created and erected, it is done so for a symbolic reason. It immediately tells a story about the space it inhabits, or a person who inhabits the space, or perhaps both. It is meant to become a commemorative object, preserving the memory of a person, place, or event. In contrast to architecture, monuments are much more obvious in their symbolic meaning. As for the monuments surrounding the National Mall in Washington, DC, a message of power and American identity emulates from the several structures. I will analyze one of them, the Marine Corps Memorial Iwo Jima Statue.


This memorial claims to be one of the largest bronze statues ever cast, according to washington.org's memorial and monument section. It commemorates the marines who have ever died since 1775. It was created after a photograph of the flag being raised on Mount Suribachi during world war II. It emulates great power and status from its 32 foot high figures, and even larger, 60 foot flag pole. The flag pole has a cloth flag instead of a static bronze cast one, perhaps to make the monument seem "alive" and continuously keeping the memory of the marines living on. Just the sheer size of the monument suggests the idea of power as a key characteristic - the creator would want the importance of the men to be greatly emphasized in this monument. It certainly exudes the proud American identity - brave men who gave their lives in honour of their country. I think it is apart of our culture to view the war memorial or monument and think of patriotism and power - if it were not for the brave men who fought for our freedom, North America would not have the powerful identity it has today.