24ft 'Blue' Sculpture Removed

The Kennedy Center is removing a landmark sculpture called 'Blue' from its grounds, a 24-foot aluminum artwork gifted to the center in 2019. The sculpture, created by artist Joel Shapiro, was located at the REACH, a $250 million addition to the center.

The removal of the sculpture comes amid a wave of changes at the Kennedy Center during President Trump's term. The Trump administration is pushing to renovate the center and add President Trump's name to its sign, sparking a legal battle. A US district court judge ordered in May that President Trump's name be removed from the Kennedy Center facade, but the Kennedy Center board, controlled by Trump appointees, voted on August 13 to put President Trump's name back on the building.

The sculpture 'Blue' depicts a human stick figure “poised in mid-kick,” according to the Kennedy Center’s description. The center directed the sculpture’s removal, and its relocation will be determined by a foundation dedicated to the artist. The Kennedy Center expressed gratitude to Joel Shapiro for the years 'Blue' has spent on its campus, connecting visitors to his vision.

## Why it matters The removal of 'Blue' is part of a larger controversy surrounding the Trump administration's efforts to renovate the Kennedy Center. The president's push to have his name inscribed on the performing arts center's sign and shut down the venue for restoration projects has resulted in tension and a legal battle. The Kennedy Center's REACH project, where the sculpture was located, is a significant addition to the center, representing a $250 million investment.

The Kennedy Center's decision to remove the sculpture has sparked questions about the future of the center and its relationship with the Trump administration. As the center undergoes changes and renovations, the removal of 'Blue' serves as a reminder of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Trump administration's involvement in the center's affairs.