Abstract

This paper discusses issues concerning commissioned monuments and the way they are permanently exhibited. Quite often, the sculptor has no control over siting of commissioned monuments. Sometimes, he does not even have rights over the pedestal on which the statue rests. This invariably “kills” the work as soon as it is “out-doored” after birth in the sculptor’s studio. As though that was not enough, much consideration is not given the environment (space) in which some monuments are sited. Unfortunately, some are planted amidst the debris of foliage, bill-boards, electric pylons and “concrete jungles.” Monuments struggle for attention and get drowned in the sea of space designed, constructed and occupied by man. Not only that, some statues are subjected to retouches as soon as the out-dooring ceremony is over, to the displeasure of the sculptor. They are given finishes that may displease the sculptor but may please a select community. In so doing, the sculptor is bemused as to still claim rights of creativity or not. This paper explores the issue with primary and secondary data. (Visuals taken of some selected works in selected locations in Ghana.)

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