Prison Ship Martyr's Monument 2.0, AKA "The Snowden Statue," by Anonymous
2015
galvanized steel, hydrocal FGR 95, latex, enamel, oil paint, powdered
approx: 48 x 24 x 34 inches; base circumference 24 inches


In the early morning of April 6, 2015, guerilla artists affixed this bust of Edward Snowden atop one of the pillars of the Prison Ship Martyr's Monument in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park, a memorial to slain POWs of the American Revolution. This unsanctioned addition aimed to highlight those who continue to sacrifice their safety to protect the ideals this nation was founded upon.

Approximately seven hours after the bust was installed, it was removed by the city and placed in the NYPD's custody. However, images of the statue had already spread across the internet, and news of the installation made its way to international print and television news outlets.

Before removing the bust, city officials climbed atop the pillar's bronze eagle to cover it with a tarp. This spawned even more images and videos which sped across the web. Online commenters noted how city officials standing on the eagle's head (symbolizing America's freedom) to cover up Snowden was almost as significant as the statue itself, and in some ways completed the piece.

Amidst public calls for the statue's return, prominent civil rights attorney Ron Kuby worked with the artists to demand the NYPD return the statue. Its inclusion in this show is the first time it has been on display since its release.