Bronze Statues of Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Bradley Manning unveiled in Berlin--Powerful!

[KoKo]

Statues of Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Bradley Manning unveiled in Berlin

Bronze statues of persecuted whistleblowers Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Bradley Manning were unveiled in Berlin on May Day. The statues are part of an art project entitled “Anything to Say?”, the work of Italian artist Davide Dormino, which pays tribute to the courage of the three.

The life-size effigies of the trio stand in a row on chairs beside one extra empty chair. The extra chair invites passersby to express their solidarity with the three whistleblowers and share their own views publicly.

In an online statement, Dormino says: “History never had a positive opinion of contemporary revolutionaries. You need courage to act, to stand up on that empty chair even if it hurts.”

Hundreds of people gathered in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz on Friday, with many adults and also children mounting the chair to air their views to the assembled crowd.



Davide Dormino and his sculptures

The WSWS spoke with Dormino, an artist who also teaches sculpture and drawing at the Rome University of Fine Arts (Libera Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma).

Stefan Steinberg: What was your motivation for this project?

Davide Dormino: I was speaking to my friend, the American author and journalist, Charles Glass, about courage and the importance of adopting a critical attitude toward authority, and gradually the concept for the project emerged.

This has been an element in my art work for many years, in fact, from the very beginning. I am a firm advocate of public art. I believe that such art is a great chance to speak to a broad audience, and I believe art is a great opportunity to help people to mature and develop their ideas.

I came up with the idea of three figures standing on chairs. Why the chairs? The chair has a double meaning. It can be something comfortable, but we can also use it to elevate ourselves and gain a new perspective. The idea was to represent three icons of our contemporary world, three men who defied the system. They chose the chair of courage … but the empty chair is the most important part of the sculpture. It is an opportunity for us to stand up, to get a better view and share their courageous stance.

Perhaps you may remember the scene in the film, Dead Poets Society [1989], where the pupils stand on the tables as an example of courage and the rejection of blind authority—I think we need such courage today.

There was an amazing reaction in Berlin at Alexanderplatz. Everybody felt that it was an all-inclusive moment. Some people stood on chairs and expressed their support for the whistleblowers, some said nothing. It was very important.

More At.........

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/05/07/davi-m07.html

[Octafish]

1. Proud to be first to Rec. Thank you, Dormino and KoKo!

Takes great courage...

[Brickbat]

2. Did he not get the memo about Ms. Manning?

[zeemike]

27. It was Bradley Manning that blew the whistle.

Just as it was Cassius Clay that won the gold medal in the Olympics...history is not revisable.

[riderinthestorm]

3. Well this should go over well with the DU authoritarian brigade

K&R.

Love this!

[In_The_Wind]

4. yup

[Comrade Grumpy]

19. See post #16 for authoritarian assholery on display.

[LittleBlue]

37. Right on cue

They mad

[morningfog]

51. I have no opinion on the statues other than joy

that it will bring when the gnashing of teeth and handwringing on DU follows.

[polichick]

5. "History never had a positive opinion of contemporary revolutionaries...

You need courage to act, to stand up on that empty chair even if it hurts.”

So true!

[George II]

54. "courage to act"? Then why didn't Snowden "act" before he left the US? Courage my butt!

[Hoppy]

62. They broke secrets as matters of principle.

Betrayus exposed state secrets for a blow job.

Betrayus gets a pension.

Manning gets what, 30 years?

[sabrina 1]

6. Saw this story on RT. What is remarkable is the difference between the

reaction of the authorities in Germany to this, and what happened here. When a statue of Snowden appeared in public here, it was quickly removed by the 'authorities'. Land of the FREE!!

[snooper2]

11. it's still a semi-free country, just don't litter on public property

[jmowreader]

48. No, just the Snowden statue that defaced another monument was removed

Someone put a statue of him in Union Square and it was allowed to stay...for a while at least.

http://www.businessinsider.com/there-is-an-edward-snowden-statue-in-union-square-and-no-one-could-recognize-him-2014-10

The one you're referring to was glued to another monument.

[sabrina 1]

66. We are such a frightened society. Scared of everything, even a statue.

We know what happens to peaceful demonstrators in this country. So spare me the excuses. I am aware that all countries go through periods such as the one we are going through right now, but the fact is we are not a free country right now.

The Government is spying on every single citizen. We have the largest prison population EVER in the history of the world, and larger than all the countries combined per capita.

You can't fix a problem until you realze you have a problem. I prefer to identify the problem then go about fixing it.

[rhett o rick]

49. I noticed you referred to RT. You know that's Russian and can't be trusted. Those are probably

fake statues. I wonder if any of the Oligarch-Media will carry the story.

[sabrina 1]

65. Lol, RT has that 'liberal bias' so I can understand why some our more conservative friends

would have a problem with some of most liberal thinkers actually having a voice on TV. Ever see Thom Hartmann on the Corporate Media? Amy Goodman? I want to hear those voices so I have to go to RT to hear them.

Not in the least bit intimidated by the 'commie' garbage, fought THAT battle with Bush supporters for years, long before there was an RT.

Some people are just stuck in the past, what I can I say.

[rhett o rick]

69. You are too kind. I would call it hypocracy. Claiming to be "politically liberal" and then

shunning those media that are not corrupted by our Corporations. Every time one of THEM criticizes RT as a source, I ask them which media outlet they prefer. They never answer. THEY are good at criticizing but short on conviction themselves.

[sabrina 1]

70. Yes, you are right about the hypocrisy. I laugh when I see the anti RT posts, it is

so revealing. RT is a liberal media, and it's great to see so many young female journalists who are free to question politicians the way journalists are supposed to do.

I know this, if RT had been around during the Bush years, it would have been the most popular media to the very same people. Al Jazeera was treated the same way by 'conservatives', and loved by Liberals. Too bad people are so affected by their biases. Something those in power count on.

I have been reading lately however, that partisanship is losing its appeal the more people are affected by the policies that both parties are responsible for. Most American voters now register as Independents.

[tblue37]

68. And those who put the statue up were quickly identified and fined. nt

[sabrina 1]

71. Some day our government, after we evolve from where we are now, and when we abide by

the rule of law, there will be statues of Whistle Blowers from this dark period in our history, in public places as a tribute to those who stood up against those who tried to take away our rights and freedoms.

All countries have gone through these very dark periods, and this is a young country, and often have emerged as truly civilized, democratic nations.

The sooner the better, but it may not happen anytime soon, unless we have more Edward Snowdens and Chelsea Mannings. And publishers like Assange who are unafraid to give Whistle Blowers a place to reveal their information when they cannot trust their own media or their government anymore.

[BrotherIvan]

7. Wow

the fourth chair has me speechless. It looks like people all over the world are ready for a change. (and is sick of the US)

[riderinthestorm]

9. Ikr? The powerful symbolism of that empty chair to be filled by... anyone

the artist, a passerby, an activist...

It's actually a pretty powerful piece of art.

(Guaranteed to make heads explode amongst those who hate whistleblowers!)

[BrotherIvan]

10. It really is

Inviting people to stand up and speak, that is pretty huge. Inviting people to listen. That is definitely what I would call ART in capital letters. I agree it would have been nice to show Chelsea Manning as she prefers to be known now. I hope he thinks about it and perhaps updates it. But just wow.

[woo me with science]

97. [phone]

[Generic Other]

56. Americans will think the 4th chair is Obama and Clint Eastwood

You know they will...

[KoKo]

60. lol's....they will have to go to Berlin, though.

But, the U.S. tourists visiting...probably..

[bvar22]

8. DURec.... except that I wish those statues were in Wash. DC.

[d_legendary1]

28. Can't have those guys in the public eye

since it ruins their fairy tale of keeping us safe from the big bad terrorist (that we are creating).

[Divernan]

12. Love Berlin -on the cutting edge socially, politically & culturally, as ever.

- which is why Hitler hated it and had plans to rebuild it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welthauptstadt Germania. This sculpture is a perfect example of public art, or what public art should be. It invites people to take part in the discussion about freedom of speech and the incredible courage of these three men in exposing the lies and crimes of governments.

I highly recommend starting out a visit to Berlin with taking one of the boat/canal tours of the city - Berlin has such a rich and dramatic history - the tour takes you through modern and old parts of the area - orients you to the geography and throws in lots of history. My daughters stayed in Berlin to see some World Cup games, and the canal boat tour was their number one tour recommendation. My concierge provided me with directions to a boarding spot just a few blocks from my hotel. My tour had an English language tape, which was invaluable. I was particularly moved and got a chill down my spine when the canal boat passed under one of the bridges on the Landwehr Canal and the tape noted that this was the bridge from which Rosa Luxemburg's body was thrown by the Freikorps (who eventually became the Brown Shirts) after they shot her on January 15, 1919. She was an extremely courageous woman & leading labor union organizer. She is revered in Berlin - one of the stops on the U-Bahn is "Bahnhof Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz."

[yeoman6987]

29. I enjoyed Berlin

I thought check point Charlie was interesting in the middle of the intersection. And the gate is beautiful.

[WillyT]

13. HUGE K & R !!! - THANK YOU !!!

[geek tragedy]

14. "Bradley" Manning and "three men who defied the system?" nt

[JI7]

18. if RT is involved in this i don't think they recognize Chelsea

[geek tragedy]

20. this is wsws.org, I think.

Anyhow . . . that's awkward.

[stevenleser]

25. It would be interesting to look into who funded the sculptures.

Either the funder or the artist are likely homophobes.

[yeoman6987]

32. I doubt it

Bradley did the act. Chelsea didn't. Why are you changing history?

[stevenleser]

35. That person has made it clear she is a woman and wants to be addressed that way.

It's disrespectful of her rights as a human being to ignore that.

[yeoman6987]

38. Do you think it might have been made prior to Chelsea announcing she would like to

Be called Chelsea? I don't think they are quick to be made. I suppose the United States could pay the artist to change it and maybe we will.

[stevenleser]

39. No. It has been a long time since she made that announcement. The artist is still referring to her

as Bradley. That is a pretty clear tell.

[Luminous Animal]

40. Crazy, huh. At the time, Ms Manning publicly identified as male. During her pre-trial incarceration

when some of her supporters started calling her Brianna, a name that she had used privately, she asked her supporters to cease and continue to refer to her by Bradley.

There was much discussion around this issue by her supporters to change the name of BradleyManning.org to BriannaManning.org

Ultimately, a consensus was reached to honor her wishes.

Following Chelsea's announcement of her name change, BradleyManning.org switched to ChelseaManning.org which now features a photo of the sculpure on their web page.

http://www.chelseamanning.org/press/manning-assange-snowden-statue-unveiled-in-berlin

[bvar22]

41. "Either the funder or the artist are likely homophobes."

You know absolutely NOTHING about the artist or funders.
Your knee jerk statement calling the funder or artist "homophobes"
says way more about you than it does about the artists or funders.

If I had had the opportunity to donate or help this project in ANY way, I would have.
and I do not fit the stereotype of your demons.


Remember when John Kerry was "swiftboated" by made up accusations?
Well, better take a look in a mirror.

[stevenleser]

21. Good point. Even if it's to needle the US, there is no letup on Russia's anti-gay bigotry.

Chelsea got thrown under the bus on this one.

[BeanMusical]

30. Because of course you are such a huge fan of her.

[stevenleser]

34. I always refer to her as Chelsea. I cant stand what she did. I do not support bigotry to achieve

political ends.

back at you

[BeanMusical]

44. Bigotry have been used to achieve political ends?

Nice try. Better luck next time.

[stevenleser]

73. No, it's actually very telling that you assume folks would use or accept bigotry against

political opponents. I can only assume you would do so.

I disagree with Manning's release of information. I would fight for her in any attempt to gain equality for who she is.

[Luminous Animal]

64. Ms Manning identified as a man at the time and even rejected her supporters from

calling her Brianna (a name that she used privately) from calling her that during her incarceration and trial.

The gender status and name depicts her preference at the time.

I've no problem with stating Bradley Manning, hero, now incarcerated Chelsea Manning, hero.

When Bruce Jenner reveals his name (yes, he has stated that he prefers he/him even though he will oft times use a female pronoun in interviews) which he says he will do, should reporters refer to Bruce as a woman when reporting on his Olympic triumphs competing as a man?

No they should not. Bruce, when he won his metals publicly identified as a man. Manning when, when she leaked, publicly identified as a man.

Bradley Manning leaked. Chelsea Manning is in prison.

[stevenleser]

74. That is a very poor excuse. The artist referred to Manning as Bradley in interviews the last few

days. The artist is obviously very impressed with what Manning did.

But at the same time the artist is too bigoted to accept her for who she is.

[sabrina 1]

67. And you couldn't be more wrong. But hey, making stuff up seems to be the

thing to do these days.

RT hosts very much recognize Chelsea Manning and her rights, which our Corporate media, now that you mentioned it, don't seem to do.

Chelsea wasn't throw in jail in Russia for exposing War Crimes, that happened right here in the good old USA. For 35 years. And not once have I seen any of our Media personnel even question that brutal, travesty of justice. And she was tortured, not in Russia, but in the custody of the US Government which used their knowledge of her concerns about her sexuality and being naked, in order to torture her.

Considering that travesty of justice, and the fact that the War Criminals she exposed are treated here like elder statesmen by our OWN media, your comment is kind of sad and if you want to know why, I'd be happy to explain.

Sometimes when your own house needs cleaning, it's best not to point fingers elsewhere because it's a given someone is going to talk about that dirty house.

'People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones' old, but still very wise advice.

[JI7]

15. there seems to be more effort into getting statues than trying to change laws

[stevenleser]

16. At least I'll know where to place any pigeon seed I might buy when I make it to Berlin.

[Demeter]

23. Um...that's a seagull

and I wouldn't try to feed them, they will dive-bomb you with very sharp beaks.

[stevenleser]

24. Yes, I know. nt

[BeanMusical]

46. Disgusting.

It looks like something that someone from Fux "News" would post.

[BrotherIvan]

57. The poster appears on Fox News so you hit the bullseye

[stevenleser]

76. So does Greenwald. So does Bernie Sanders, Kucinich, etc. Your ad-hominem doesn't work.

But apparently ad-hominem is all you've got.

[BrotherIvan]

90. You're calling the artist who made this sculpture a homophobe

You have no idea who he is or what he believes. But you're accusing ME of ad hominem attacks? That's rich.

[stevenleser]

91. Denying someone their gender identity makes you a homophobe. His own words are evidence. nt

[BrotherIvan]

92. You are catching on one point to try to "win" your argument

And you're instead looking petty and foolish. You do realize that the artist is from Italy and that the interview you are reading is just a small part of what he said. Europe, you may be surprised to learn, is also much more progressive when it comes to LGBT rights, so I doubt he is a homophobe by default. But more importantly, the artist has chosen a moment when each person is standing up against being accused. It is artistic license in this case and is showing that Ms. Manning stood up to the powers while in uniform. I highly doubt that she would have any problem whatsoever to this stunning tribute.

But the bigger issue is you think she should be in jail for exposing state secrets and that Obama had every right to say she was guilty. I think she should be free; I think she's a hero. I bet she would be happy to be free rather than know you defended her right to the correct pronoun.

SS: The individuals you’ve sculpted are vilified by political establishments all over the world. In various ways Edward Snowden, Julian Assange, and Bradley [Chelsea] Manning are all prisoners and have had to accept huge restrictions on their freedom. Why are they heroes for you?

DD: They are heroes because they show us how much control governments have over us. We have to understand the difference between control and privacy. Privacy is sacrosanct. It is a basic human right. With the new technology it is easier for the government to control us. That is not democracy, in my opinion, but it is also important to know why and how they control us.
We need to have the courage to know the truth. Sometimes people don’t understand and they say, “It doesn’t matter if they know everything about me.” This is very wrong.

SS: In the past your work has taken a more abstract form, this time you have chosen a very direct, realistic form.

DD: I deliberately chose to model them in a realistic fashion—an ancient form of representation. The message has to be clear. People have to be able to immediately recognize them.

[stevenleser]

93. The point of this subthread is that the artist is a homophobe. So yes, my arguments are tailored

to be about that.

If the artist isn't a homophobe, he needs to apologize and clarify and start referring to Manning as Chelsea.

[stevenleser]

75. LOL, and let me guess, you have accused Obama supporters for being cult-like in the past right?

You can't even handle this milquetoast joke about your heroes.

[BeanMusical]

79. Lol! You're projecting, dear.

Except for a few scientists (and then again I don't idolize them) I stopped having "heroes" in my late teens.

[stevenleser]

80. Apparently not. Your reaction to this milquetoast criticism says it all. nt

[BeanMusical]

83. Awww, so much anger.

Here's another hug:

[stevenleser]

84. Nope, not anger. I am laughing.

[BeanMusical]

86. Good.

That's a positive attitude.

[polly7]

95. Who's the boy getting pooped on? Is this from some cemetery? Not funny, in any case. nt.

[GummyBearz]

50. Who is the kid in your picture

that you apparently also don't mind getting shit on? He must have done something very anti-authoritarian to draw your ire

[stevenleser]

77. Awww, you're so anti-authoritarian you are angry at those who dissent against the hero narrative

for these guys. That doesn't sound so anti-authoritarian to me.

[BeanMusical]

81. You sound angry.

Do you need a hug?

[stevenleser]

82. Nope, I'm laughing at the reaction to the pigeon feed comments by folks who take this too seriously

I can't think of any person's statue I would react to someone implying they would get pigeons to poop on like you have here.

[BeanMusical]

85. Of course you don't.

There, there...

[FrankUnderwood]

98. Steve, I remember when you posed for that sculpture.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

17. Bravo!

[Demeter]

22. Participatory Art, Participatory Politics, Publicly Speaking Truth to Power

Excellent news! Thanks, KoKo

[navarth]

26. enthusiastic kick

[KansDem]

31. "The statues are part of an art project entitled 'Anything to Say?'”

Another name for this display could be "A Trio of Truth Seekers."

[brooklynite]

45. Does the "anything" being said include Court Testimony?

[Fantastic Anarchist]

33. Proudly salutes, kicks and recommends.

[brooklynite]

36. UNREC

I don't feel the need to genuflect to the images of people who are still alive and kicking. If I ever feel the need to, I can apparently visit the bust of Rush Limbaugh in the Missouri State House...

[OKNancy]

42. and one accused of rape

and Manning punched a female co-worker in the face ( when in the Army)

[bvar22]

43. Has anyone asked you to genuflect?

NO.
That makes your post a total Strawman.

[BeanMusical]

47. You're being more polite than I could.

[rhett o rick]

99. Come out and say that you disparage all whistle-blowers because they challenge authority.

And authority is everything.

[Cryptoad]

52. Powerful was not eh word I was thinking,,,,,,,

which one is Comrade Snowden?

[treestar]

53. Such overkill!

What's with this statue thing. That is not going to make them like George Washington.

The only meaningful statue is one put up by agreement of society. You can't force that on people by making the statue first.

[Rex]

55. I love watching authoritarians foam at the mouth in the morning!

Looks like...victory!

[BillZBubb]

87. Me too. The sad part, though, is that there are any of them here.

[Renew Deal]

58. They should be melted and used for bathroom fixtures

[hueymahl]

89. Who, the authoritarians or the statues?

[malaise]

59. Love it

Rec

[niyad]

61. well, that ought to make some heads explode.

[840high]

63. Big k/r

[colorado_ufo]

72. Absolutely fantastic!

[Blue_Tires]

78. All these statues and busts are creeping into 'Maoist' territory

[BillZBubb]

88. What an absurd comment.

[Blue_Tires]

94. I don't know how else to describe cultish hero worship

nt

[woo me with science]

96. kick