3,000-Pound Ice Sculpture Featuring “Democracy” Thaws Close to U.S. Capitol
How can a sculpture measuring 17 feet in length and 5 feet in height vanish in under a day? The answer lies in its composition—ice. On Wednesday, October 15, a massive ice sculpture proclaiming “democracy” emerged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Capitol building loomed behind it, establishing a striking contrast of symbols. The Capitol, a venue where democracy should be sustained, was in sight of the word that represented the contrary—it was disintegrating right before the eyes of onlookers.
Named Last Call—DemocracyICED, the 3,000-pound, site-specific artwork was crafted by artists Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese. Combining installation and performance art, the melting democracy was paired with speakers. Authors from D.C. and Baltimore recited excerpts from historian Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters from an American” in half-hour intervals until the sculpture dissolved. Ligorano and Reese also addressed the audience from the lectern, discussing the project’s significance and the urgency it conveys.
“Almost two decades later [following George W. Bush’s presidency and the Patriot Act], our democracy has considerably weakened since that time,” Ligorano remarked, “due to the ongoing enlargement of executive authority, the militarization of our streets, assaults on the rule of law, the erosion of our voting rights, and the dismantlement of public health and scientific inquiry.”
Last Call—DemocracyICED received its commission from the Up In Arms campaign, spearheaded by Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The initiative aims to highlight the increasing authoritarianism and militarism in the U.S. “Demonstrating in real life that democracy is dissolving before our very eyes,” Cohen told The Washington Post, “I believe it serves as a potent symbol that conveys the emotions and despair felt by Americans.”
The aspiration is that the gradual, visible disappearance of democracy will inspire contemplation and ultimately motivate individuals to act. “The message is that while it’s unavoidable for this to eventually vanish completely, it’s not a foregone conclusion that our democracy will fade away,” articulated Rob Weissman, president of the government accountability organization Public Citizen, who was also in attendance. “Thus, people need to remain proactive, as they have been, and the more we engage… the higher the likelihood of democracy being revitalized.”
The sculpture was erected just days prior to the upcoming No Kings rallies scheduled across all 50 states on October 18. Millions are set to join in a demonstration against the authoritarianism and militarism within U.S. cities. Washington, D.C., will host the largest assembly. “It’s crucial for all of us to resist, raise our voices, and preserve our democracy,” Reese urged, “before it is too late.”