Bust of York explained

Bust of York
Italic Title:no
Artist:Todd McGrain
Medium:Wood and urethane sculpture
Subject:York
Metric Unit:cm
Imperial Unit:in
City:Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Mapframe:yes
Mapframe-Zoom:13

A 4 foot (1.2 m) bust of York, the only African American on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was installed in Portland, Oregon's Mount Tabor Park, in the United States, from February to July 2021. The artist stayed anonymous at first, but after the bust was removed he revealed himself as Todd McGrain.[1] McGrain was a student of Darrell Millner, Portland State University professor of history and Black Studies.[2] The bust appeared on February 20, replacing the statue of Harvey W. Scott, which had been toppled on October 20, 2020. McGrain did not seek city permission to install the bust,[3] [4] [5] which McGrain expected to be temporary;[1] on June 11 the city announced that it would remove the bust.[6]

On July 28, vandals tore down and seriously damaged the sculpture. Portland Parks and Recreation removed it,[7] [8] [9] and the Portland City Council released a statement condemning the vandalism.[10] [11] The paper was torn into pieces.[9] [8] No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Patriot Front, a white supremacist organization that had recently vandalized numerous monuments to African Americans, was suspected. On July 25, three days earlier, the plinth had been defaced with a symbol associated with Patriot Front, and a mural in Portland honoring George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery had been defaced with their name.[9]

After the toppling, signs of support for the bust and other tributes appeared at the site.[12]

The artist has offered to produce a bust of York in bronze, with no charge for his time and effort, although the casting would have to be paid for.[1] As of September 4, 2021, no decision has been made regarding this offer.

Background

The bust of York was erected on a plinth which formerly held the statue of Harvey W. Scott, which was toppled and damaged on October 20, 2020. The statue's outstretched right arm broke off.[13]

That statue was by Gutzon Borglum, a prolific sculptor known for his design and initial sculpting of Mount Rushmore and the monument to the Confederacy at Stone Mountain; Borglum is controversial for his Klan involvement.[14] Scott fought against Native Americans as a volunteer in the Puget Sound War. He was strongly opposed to women's suffrage and public high schools.

Between October 2020, when the statue was toppled, and February 2021, when the bust was secretly erected, there was considerable local discussion of what hero should be honored on Scott's plinth.

On October 11, 2020, the Indigenous Peoples Day of Rage, protesters also toppled statues of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, for their perceived hostility towards Native Americans.[15] Earlier in 2020, Portland statues of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were also toppled, because they owned enslaved people.[9]

None of these statues will be re-erected. The Regional Arts & Culture Council in 2021 adopted a policy that allows removal of statues whose "subject or impact...is significantly at odds with values of antiracism, equity, inclusion." While no formal decision has been made (as of August 2021), it is presumed that all of these statues would fall in that category.[16]

Description

The bald head, looking down, was created by the artist. There is no contemporary image of York nor any description of him, except that he was a large man.

The bust was deliberately made of perishable materials: wood covered in urethane, which was then painted bronze. A sheet of paper resembling a plaque, attached to a sheet of plywood painted to resemble marble, had a printed message:

Reaction to the bust

Reaction to the bust has been "overwhelmingly positive".[17] A newspaper described the reaction as "adoration". The bust became a destination. Adena Long, director of Portland Parks & Recreation, described the artwork as "a complete surprise",[5] "a happy surprise".[9] City Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio said in a press release: "We should regard this installation for both the important piece that it is, as well as a much-needed reminder to city leaders to hasten our work of rooting out white supremacy in our institutions—particularly our city government, where many processes exclude community participation and discourage engagement."[5]

Prior to its destruction, the arts program manager for Portland had said the bust would remain on display until it deteriorated.[18] [19]

Vandalism

The bust was vandalized three times before it was toppled.[20]

According to the city's arts program manager, the work is made of wood and urethane and "was always intended to be temporary". There have been discussions to replace with a bronze version.[6]

In July 2021, the bust was toppled, then removed by city workers;[7] the director of Portland's park service said that staff would inspect the bust to see if it was salvageable.[6] Portland City Council condemned the vandalism,[10] [11] and locals left signs and other tributes at the site following the toppling.[12]

Media

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: Sculptor of Mount Tabor's York Bust Reveals His Identity. Todd McGrain is offering to sculpt a permanent bronze bust of York for the site as a donation. Willamette Week. August 31, 2021. Aaron. Mesh. September 1, 2021. September 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210901131315/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/08/31/sculptor-of-mount-tabors-york-bust-reveals-his-identity/. live.
  2. News: Wing. Sage. September 30, 2020. The York Statue and the value of public art. live. OPB. https://web.archive.org/web/20220201170446/https://www.opb.org/article/2021/09/30/the-york-statue-and-the-value-of-public-art/. February 1, 2022. February 4, 2022.
  3. News: Rogoway . Mike . Bust of York, member of Lewis and Clark expedition, appears in place of Harvey Scott statue on Mount Tabor . February 23, 2021 . The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). February 20, 2021 . February 21, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210221003922/https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/02/bust-of-york-member-of-lewis-and-clark-expedition-appears-in-place-of-harvey-scott-statue-on-mount-tabor.html . live .
  4. News: Yuhas . Alan . Portland Welcomes Monument (Origin Unknown) to Black Man Who Reached Pacific in 1805. February 23, 2021 . . February 22, 2021 . February 22, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210222224650/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/22/us/york-portland-lewis-clark.html . live .
  5. News: Singer . Matthew . Someone Replaced the Toppled Harvey Scott Statue at Mount Tabor With a Monument to York, the Only Black Member of the Corps of Discovery. February 23, 2021 . . February 20, 2021 . February 21, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210221224639/https://www.wweek.com/arts/visual-arts/2021/02/20/someone-replaced-the-toppled-harvey-scott-statue-at-mount-tabor-with-a-monument-to-york-the-only-black-member-of-the-corps-of-discovery/ . live .
  6. News: Foden-Vencil. Kristian. June 11, 2021. Portland official says controversial bust of York at Mount Tabor Park will be coming down. live. OPB. https://web.archive.org/web/20211025214222/https://www.opb.org/article/2021/06/11/portland-mount-tabor-york-bust-vandalism/. October 25, 2021. February 4, 2022.
  7. News: July 28, 2021. Bust of York toppled in Portland's Mount Tabor Park. Kristian. Foden-Vencil. Oregon Public Broadcasting. July 29, 2021. August 19, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210819141201/https://www.opb.org/article/2021/07/28/portland-york-art-mt-tabor-racism/. live.
  8. News: York Statue Atop Mount Tabor Toppled and Partly Shattered. Willamette Week (Portland, Oregon). 2021-07-28. 2021-07-28. July 28, 2021. Sophie. Peel. https://web.archive.org/web/20210728155020/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/07/28/york-statue-atop-mount-tabor-toppled-and-partly-shattered/. live.
  9. News: Portland's York statue toppled amid 'intimidating' vandalism. Zane. Sparling. Portland Tribune (Portland, Oregon). July 28, 2021. 2021-07-29. 2021-07-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20210729015916/https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/516849-413008-portlands-york-statue-toppled-amid-intimidating-vandalism. live.
  10. News: Mesh. Aaron. Portland City Council Decries Damage to Bust of York. July 30, 2021. live. Willamette Week. https://web.archive.org/web/20210731040357/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/07/30/portland-city-council-decries-damage-to-bust-of-york/. July 31, 2021. February 4, 2022.
  11. Web site: Joint Council Statement on York Sculpture.
  12. News: 'Put York Back': Portlanders Leave Messages Where a Broken Sculpture Stood. Willamette Week (Portland, Oregon). August 10, 2021. Aaron. Mesh. August 10, 2021. August 10, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210810193634/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/08/10/put-york-back-portlanders-leave-messages-where-a-broken-sculpture-stood/. live.
  13. News: Statue of Harvey Scott, former editor of The Oregonian, torn down in Mount Tabor. Oct 20, 2020. Jim. Ryan. The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). August 19, 2021. October 21, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201021110029/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2020/10/harvey-scott-statue-atop-mount-tabor-torn-down.html. live.
  14. News: Bernard. Diane. July 2, 2020. The creator of Mount Rushmore's forgotten ties to white supremacy. https://web.archive.org/web/20200711014505/https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2020/07/03/mount-rushmore-gutzon-borglum-klan-stone-mountain/. July 11, 2020. live. February 4, 2022.
  15. News: Portland protesters topple 2 statues of former presidents; Trump calls for arrests, federal intervention. Oct 12, 2020. The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). Jim. Ryan. Shane Dixon. Kavanaugh. August 19, 2021. February 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210221072055/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2020/10/portland-protesters-topple-2-statues-of-former-presidents-trump-calls-for-arrests-federal-intervention.html. live.
  16. News: Portland Protesters Tore Down Statues of Presidents. New Rules May Keep Them Mothballed. Willamette Week (Portland, Oregon). Aaron. Mesh. June 23, 2021. August 18, 2021. August 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210801081916/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/06/23/portland-protesters-tore-down-statues-of-presidents-new-rules-may-keep-them-mothballed/. live.
  17. News: 'Overwhelmingly positive' – Portland reacts to York statue. Zane. Sparling. February 23, 2021. The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). August 19, 2021. August 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210801083408/https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/498964-400105-overwhelmingly-positive-portland-reacts-to-york-statue. live.
  18. News: Here's What Could Happen to the Bust of York Atop Mount Tabor . Willamette Week (Portland, Oregon). June 16, 2021 . June 17, 2021 . June 17, 2021. Aaron. Mesh. https://web.archive.org/web/20210617020514/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/06/16/heres-what-could-happen-to-the-bust-of-york-atop-mount-tabor/. live .
  19. News: Bust of York, an enslaved Black member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, appears in Portland. York is described as 'the first African American to cross North America'. Marlene. Lenthang. February 23, 2021. ABCNews. August 24, 2021. August 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210824134438/https://abcnews.go.com/US/bust-york-enslaved-black-member-lewis-clark-expedition/story?id=76062677. live.
  20. Web site: Bust of York at Mt. Tabor Park damaged for the third time. July 28, 2021. KATU. July 28, 2021. July 28, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210728171243/https://katu.com/news/local/bust-of-york-at-mt-tabor-park-damaged-for-the-third-time. live.
  21. News: Video Shows Woman Defacing Bust of York on Mount Tabor With Purple Spray Paint. Willamette Week (Portland, Oregon). June 8, 2021. Aaron. Mesh. August 19, 2021. July 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210707001619/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2021/06/08/video-shows-woman-defacing-bust-of-york-on-mount-tabor-with-purple-spray-paint/. live.
  22. News: Portland Police Cite Woman for Defacing York Bust on Mount Tabor . Willamette Week (Portland, Oregon) . June 10, 2021. Aaron. Mesh. June 13, 2021 . June 12, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210612034220/https://www.wweek.com/news/courts/2021/06/10/portland-police-cite-woman-for-defacing-york-bust-on-mount-tabor/ . live .
  23. News: York statue defaced months after appearing on Mount Tabor; suspect issued citation. June 8, 2021. Catalina. Gaitán. The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). August 19, 2021. June 29, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210629060700/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2021/06/york-statue-defaced-months-after-appearing-on-mount-tabor.html. live.
  24. News: York statue atop Mount Tabor defaced with hate symbol. Jun 27, 2021. Kristi. Turnquist. The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). August 19, 2021. July 29, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210729200459/https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/06/york-statue-atop-mount-tabor-defaced-with-hate-symbol.html. live.
  25. News: Bust of York at Mt. Tabor Park mystifies Portland Parks & Rec. February 22, 2021. KATU. August 20, 2021. August 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210820100133/https://katu.com/news/local/bust-of-york-at-mt-tabor-park-mystifies-portland-parks-rec. live.
  26. News: KGW. Jon. Goodwin. February 22, 2021. Bust of York, from Lewis and Clark expedition, now sits at Portland's Mount Tabor Park. August 20, 2021. August 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210820095458/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-bust-of-york-mount-tabor-park/283-e385b0dd-8f07-43b5-b20d-47a132cf55d1. live.
  27. News: Woman cited for vandalizing bust of York on Mount Tabor. KGW. June 9, 2021. August 20, 2021. June 12, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210612015725/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/bust-of-york-on-mount-tabor-vandalized/283-f6b32111-94f2-4d84-9487-e48ad13c3613. live.
  28. Web site: 'What Kind of Public Art Do We Want Now?' A conversation with PSU Professor and York historian Darrell Millner, the unidentified York artist, and Kristin Calhoun, Director of Public Art, Regional Arts & Culture Council. Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland, Oregon. August 19, 2021. August 26, 2021. August 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210821013520/https://racc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/York-transcript.pdf. live.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Bust of York".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.