Brown Chooses Renowned Sculptor Martin Puryear for Slavery Memorial

Brown Chooses Renowned Sculptor Martin Puryear for Slavery Memorial

In an effort to acknowledge its ties to slavery, Brown University will create a memorial to the slave trade to be placed prominently on the campus. At its February meeting, the Corporation of Brown chose American artist Martin Puryear from over 65 other artists to create the memorial. 

The decision comes from a recommendation from the 2006 report of the Steering Committee on Slavery and Justice, which concluded that some of Brown’s early benefactors were proponents of the slave trade and that some of the University buildings were built with the help of slaves.  

A prominent place

The memorial will be placed on the part of campus known as the “Quiet Green,” between Hope College and Carrie Tower, and near University Hall. Brown’s Public Art Committee suggested this site because it is highly visible during evens such as Convocation and Commencement, and because it is close to the University’s oldest building.  

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“The selection of Martin Puryear and the choice of the Front Green as the site for his work is a promising and satisfying step forward,” said Brown University President Ruth J. Simmons, who appointed the Steering Committee in 2003. “This memorial will invite thoughtful inquiry about the world we have inherited and contemplation of the values we embrace and intend to pass on.” 

A reminder of history

The memorial will not only be a testament to Brown’s historic connections to slavery, but to the state of Rhode Island’s connections as well. Jo-Ann Conklin, director of the David Winton Bell Art Gallery and a member of the Public Art Committee, stressed the memorial’s point of reminding viewers of this country’s past relating to slavery. 

“After the report on Slavery and Justice was published in 2006 there was a recommendation for a physical memorial that would recognize Brown and Rhode Island’s connection to the slave trade,” she said. “Many people don’t realize the connection, so we want to acknowledge it with this memorial. People would see the history and the relation, and it will make a literal and figurative space for discussion.” 

Martin Puryear’s abstract sculptures are highly acclaimed for their insightful commentary on important issues in the world. He received a National Medal of Arts from President Obama on February 13, 2012, and he is currently working on a design for the project to present to the Public Arts Committee this summer. The Committee expects the memorial to be completed in time for Brown’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2014.

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