Chairman Martin Luther King Jr [krakatoa - insomniac open blogger]

The New York Sun reports on an investigation into whether the MLK capital memorial was improperly outsourced to a Chinese artist, using granite from China quarries.

The scope of the inquiry is not clear, but it seems to focus on whether the foundation was obliged to follow federal procurement rules, including competitive bidding and so-called “Buy American” policies favoring domestic sources. The foundation is largely supported by private donations, but it received almost $10 million from the federal government in 2006.

Boring as hell right? "Bla bla government investigation bla improper contracting blaaa." Where's the interest for a jaded racist red, white & blue wavin' knuckle-dragger such as meself?

(After the break)

Let's call it the wide-eyed naivete demonstrated by one of the complaining artists quoted in the article (all emphasis mine):

“I was confused as to why they chose this particular artist from another country and another culture,” a Georgia artist working to rescind the decision, Gilbert Young, said. “My position is, they don’t have the sensitivity, the nuances to complete this statue the way it should be completed. This artist is a member of the Communist Party.”

Right on, super-patriot art guy. You'd never find a communist artist in America. Why, that's at least as hard as falling out of a boat and hitting water.

Seriously though, just how bad could it be?

Artist Lei's piece, Martin Luther "Don't call me Tiny" King, jr, under construction.

Another artist compared this work to sculptor Lei's pieces on deceased Chinese dictator Mao, saying “You could literally pluck King’s head off and put Mao’s head on. It looks like the same thing".

I think Mr. Button is being too sensitive. Everyone knows, Chairman Mao was a cheerful and congenial waver, not a stern arm-crosser.

The first artist is further quoted:

Mr. Young said it would have been preferable for the memorial to be made by a black American, but that if an American of another race had been selected, there “would be no controversy.”

I just shed a tear that such doe-eyed innocence will one day be steamrolled like... well, like this...

(I know... I know. He's not really that naive. But damn he sells it hard, doesn't he?)

posted by xgenghisx at 01:23 AM

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