Recasting Statues, Honoring the Bauhaus: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In recent years, the movement to recast statues and monuments has gained significant traction globally. This movement advocates for the reevaluation and replacement of statues that glorify individuals with problematic pasts or that perpetuate harmful narratives. One of the most significant sources of inspiration for this movement is the Bauhaus school, a groundbreaking design and architecture movement founded in Germany in 1919.

The Bauhaus Legacy

The Bauhaus movement was founded by Walter Gropius, an influential German architect. The Bauhaus aimed to create a new, modern aesthetic that rejected the ornate and decorative styles of the past. The Bauhaus artists and designers believed in the power of functionality and simplicity, and they sought to create objects that were both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

One of the most important aspects of the Bauhaus legacy is its commitment to equality. The Bauhaus was one of the first schools to admit female students on an equal basis with male students. The school also welcomed students from all over the world, regardless of their social or economic background.

Recasting Statues: A Call for Inclusivity

The recasting statues movement draws inspiration from the Bauhaus's commitment to equality and inclusivity. Many of the statues that have been targeted for removal glorify individuals who were involved in slavery, colonialism, or other forms of oppression. These statues perpetuate harmful narratives about history and exclude large segments of the population from public spaces.

By recasting statues, we can create a more inclusive and just society. We can create statues that celebrate individuals who have made positive contributions to society and that reflect the diversity of our communities.

The Bauhaus Principles

The Bauhaus principles provide a valuable framework for recasting statues. These principles include:

1. Form follows function: The design of an object should be determined by its function.
2. Simplicity: Designs should be as simple as possible, without unnecessary ornamentation.
3. Honesty: Materials and construction should be visible and honest, without any attempt to deceive.
4. Unity: All elements of a design should work together to create a harmonious whole.

How to Recast a Statue

If you are interested in recasting a statue, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Research the statue: Learn about the history of the statue and the individual it depicts.
2. Organize a community meeting: Discuss the statue with your community and gather feedback on whether it should be recast.
3. Find an artist: Work with an artist to create a new design for the statue.
4. Raise funds: Raise the necessary funds to cover the cost of recasting the statue.
5. Recast the statue: Work with a foundry to recast the statue using the new design.
6. Install the statue: Install the new statue in a public space where it can be enjoyed by the community.

Conclusion

The recasting statues movement is a powerful way to create a more inclusive and just society. By recasting statues that glorify individuals with problematic pasts, we can create a more accurate and inclusive public narrative.

Resources

The Bauhaus Museum
The Bauhaus Dessau Foundation
The International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Tables

Table 1: Examples of Statues that Have Been Recast

Table 2: Tips and Tricks for Recasting Statues

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Recasting Statues

Call to Action

If you are interested in recasting a statue in your community, I encourage you to take action! Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and work with your community to create a more inclusive and just public narrative.