The Chrysler Museum of Art on the University of Virginia campus will put on an exhibit entitled "Thomas Jefferson, Architect: Palladian Models, Democratic Principles, and the Conflict of Ideals."
It looks at the Jefferson's influences and ideas around architecture, including displays of models based on his designs, reports Associated Press (AP). On the one hand, Jefferson was a man who sought to create architecture that symbolized "liberty and democracy," but on the other, he used enslaved Americans to construct the very same structures designed to embody these ideals.
"They helped build everything from Virginia's Statehouse—a precursor to the Capital Building in Washington—to the University of Virginia and Jefferson's home of Monticello," writes AP, speaking of Jefferson's use of slave labor.
The exhibit opens this Saturday. It "juxtaposes Jefferson's visions with the realities of slavery." The exhibition catalogue, Thomas Jefferson, Architect, includes contributions from Guido Beltramini, director of the Centro Internazionale di Studi Architettura Andrea Palladio and the Palladio Museum; critic and scholar Barry Bergdoll, and GSAPP professor Mabel O. Wilson.
1 Comment
Paradox is not the right word. A paradox is a seeming contradiction that may, in fact, have resolution. Jefferson designed a beautiful document about freedom and owned slaves. He also designed a beautiful university dedicated to the liberation that comes from the liberal arts and built it with slaves. These are absolute contradictions that can never be closed.
One test for a civilization is how well it can manage its contradictions. Both terms perpetually need to be kept fresh, alive, even though they can never be closed.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.