News Summary
A 3,000-pound ice sculpture spelling out ‘Democracy’ has been unveiled on the National Mall. Created by artists Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese, the installation serves as a temporary reminder of the fragility of democratic values. Part of the Up In Arms campaign led by Ben Cohen, the sculpture is designed to melt away, symbolizing the erosion of democracy in the U.S. as participants, including former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner, emphasize the need for public engagement in democratic processes.
Washington, D.C. – A striking 3,000-pound ice sculpture spelling out “Democracy” has been unveiled on the National Mall. The installation, titled Last Call DemocracyICED, stands five feet tall and 17 feet wide, created by conceptual artists Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese from New York. Unveiled on Wednesday, the sculpture serves as a temporary representation of the fragility of democratic values in the United States.
This installation is part of the Up In Arms campaign, which is led by Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s. Cohen advocates for a reduction in Pentagon spending and an increase in funding for public healthcare and education. He describes the sculpture as a “powerful symbol” that encapsulates the feelings of sadness and horror many Americans have towards the current state of democracy in the country.
The temporary nature of the sculpture is significant; it is designed to melt away completely, mirroring the perception that democratic values can erode over time. Cohen noted various factors contributing to the perceived decline of democracy in the U.S., including attacks on freedom of speech and undemocratic actions associated with the Trump administration.
Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner participated in the event, emphasizing that democracy in the U.S. is not guaranteed. This concerns many observers, especially in light of objective assessments from various institutions. For instance, the British Economist Democracy Index has categorized the United States as a “flawed democracy” since 2016. Additionally, Freedom House’s “Freedom in the World 2025” report has indicated that while the U.S. is classified as “free,” there has been a noted erosion of democratic institutions.
Ligorano and Reese have been creating similar temporary sculptures since 2006, making this the fourth instance they have prominently featured the word “democracy.” They believe that democracy necessitates active participation from the public, particularly in the electoral process and communication with elected officials.
The sculpture’s location near the U.S. Capitol amplifies its political message and serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding democratic values in America. Its positioning within a key political area highlights the role of art in social commentary, aligning with previous provocative installations featured on the National Mall.
The installation aims to inspire public action, urging citizens to actively engage in preserving their democratic rights. As the sculpture begins its slow melt, it symbolizes both the beauty and vulnerability of democracy in contemporary society.
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