The Creation and Impact of Rocky: From Underdog to Iconic Film Monuments
**Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments at the Philadelphia Museum of Art**
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting an insightful exhibition that delves into the profound impact of the iconic Rocky statue on the city’s culture, community, and public art. Titled “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” this exhibition spans centuries, featuring works from antiquity to today, exploring the cultural significance of boxing and celebrity.
The statue of Rocky Balboa, famously positioned by the steps of the museum, draws millions worldwide, embodying the underdog principles of perseverance, spirit, and grit. This exhibition, organized by guest curator Paul Farber, Director and Co-Founder of Monument Lab, traces over two millennia of artistic engagement with the themes seen in Rocky, set against the backdrop of boxing’s storied history.
Artefacts include ancient sculptures, 19th-century European artworks, and photographs from the golden age of boxing in the United States. Contemporary artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Lisa Brice reinterpret these themes through the lenses of race, gender, and celebrity, bringing a complex narrative that resonates deeply with modern viewers.
One exhibit highlight, Howardena Pindell’s “Video Drawings, Boxing” (1973-1976), alongside photographs by artists Larry Fink and Alex Webb, reflect on the social and cultural dynamics surrounding boxing and its figures throughout history.
The exhibition encompasses over 150 works from more than 50 artists. It examines the evolution of the Rocky statue from a movie prop to a revered piece of public art and an emblem of aspiration. Accompanying the exhibition is a publication edited by Farber, featuring contributions from notable figures such as artist Alex Da Corte, former NFL player Malcolm Jenkins, and film critic Carrie Rickey.
Visitors to the museum can experience this exhibit with the Pay What You Wish admission every Friday night after 5 PM (ET), allowing greater accessibility to this cultural event. For further details, visitors are encouraged to visit the official museum website.