NEW ORLEANS - It's been over four and a half years since the removal of the iconic statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee from a 60-foot column at what used to be known as Lee Circle. On Jan. 22, a new sculpture was unveiled at the base of what is now known as Égalité Circle. It’s more than 12-feet tall, and produced by Simone Leigh, a New York-based artist who will represent Americans at the Venice Biennale. The artwork will serve as the grand finale to the months-long Prospect.5 art exhibition that ends Sunday. The sculpture will remain on site until July. The sculpture – entitled Sentinel (Mami Wata, which means watchman) - “is an homage to history and continued presence of traditions of the African diaspora in New Orleans," according to the Prospect.5 website. It is intended to honor the work of activists, citizens, and New Orleans officials to remove symbols of white supremacy while suggesting a new protective spirit downtown location, a statement from the exhibition said. The artwork celebrates the rituals practices by the African diaspora marking a new historical perspective and symbol to the status in Zulu culture that is honored in New Orleans, according to the exhibition. (Source: WWL 01/22/21) Sculpture at base of what used to be Lee Circle unveiled | wwltv.com
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