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Curating Jefferson

Erik Neil (Chrysler Museum of Art)

Erik Neil takes us through a Chrysler Museum exhibit that explored the inherent conflict between Jefferson’s pursuit of liberty and democracy and his use of enslaved laborers to construct his monuments.

5 mins

Built Through Violence

Mabel O. Wilson (Columbia University) and Louis Nelson (University of Virginia)

The most important architectural thinker of the young American republic was Thomas Jefferson. He also held captive more than 600 enslaved men, women, and children in his lifetime. Architects Mabel O. Wilson and Louis Nelson discuss Jefferson’s conflicting ideals.

23 mins

Pillars of The Old South

Phillip Herrington (James Madison University

Phillip Herrington says the white-columned plantation house is one of the most enduring and divisive icons of American architecture.

11 mins

Integrating Sculpture

John Ott (James Madison University)

The history of segregation is not just in our architecture, but in other public arts. John Ott is studying how artists in the early 20th century represented integration in their works, particularly in public murals and sculptures.

14 mins

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