JFK Memorial II
by Joan Carroll
Title
JFK Memorial II
Artist
Joan Carroll
Medium
Photograph - Photography And Digital Art
Description
This memorial to John F Kennedy sits somewhat ignored in the West End historic District in Dallas TX USA. There are few visitors. Dallas seems a bit ambivalent about this monument. But understanding the symbolism of the design brings a new appreciation. It was designed by renowned American architect Philip Johnson as an "open tomb" symbolizing the freedom of John F Kennedy's spirit. The memorial, a square, roofless room, 30 feet high and 50 by 50 feet wide, sits in the middle of the block with narrow openings facing north and south. The walls consist of 72 white pre-cast concrete columns, most of which seem to float with no visible support 29 inches above the earth. Eight columns extend to the ground, acting as legs that seem to hold up the monument. Each column ends in a light fixture. At night, the lights create the illusion that the light itself supports the structure. These vertical elements, rigorously separated from each other and individually poured, seem held together by an unseen, invisible force. The architect once called it a 'magnetic force' and suggested a connection to the charisma of the living John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Inside the memorial, you see a low-hewn granite square in which the name John Fitzgerald Kennedy is carved. The letters are painted gold to capture the light from the white floating column walls and the pale concrete floor. These words are the only verbal messages in the empty room.
FEATURED PHOTO, All Art Welcome group, 11/15/16
FEATURED PHOTO, USA Photographers Only group, 11/14/16
FEATURED PHOTO, The World We See Group, 11/11/16
FEATURED PHOTO, The Road To Self Promotion group, 10/9/16
joan carroll, concrete, simple, elegant, president, presidents, culture, landmark, landmarks, plaza, monuments, texas, memorials, plaza, plazas, jfk memorial plaza, heritage, jfk, carving, carved, empty, tombs, rooms,
Uploaded
October 9th, 2016
Statistics
Viewed 2,063 Times - Last Visitor from Windsor, ON - Canada on 04/19/2024 at 3:50 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Similar Images
Comments (43)
Mona Stut
Fantastic work and description Joan, so I can understand the meaning of this memorial with its minimal and clear look, thank you for showing us.
Robert Bales
Very nicely done Joan and I need to add it to my bucket list!! Congrats on the 785 views!! v/f/t
Recently Viewed
