In a thought-provoking move, a Massachusetts museum is taking a stand this Presidents’ Day by highlighting the vital role immigrants play in shaping our cultural landscape. The Davis Museum at Wellesley College, located just outside of Boston, is temporarily removing or obscuring art pieces created or donated by immigrants to visually demonstrate what their walls would look like without these essential contributions.
Instead of showcasing these works, museum curators will drape black cloth over the cases and post labels stating “Created by an immigrant” on the walls. Titled “Art-less,” this initiative aims to emphasize the profound impact immigrants have made in the art world and beyond. As stated on their website, “We have removed or cloaked these works to demonstrate symbolically what the Davis Museum would look like without their contributions to our collections and to Wellesley College, and to thereby honor their many invaluable gifts.”
Approximately 20% of the museum’s collection, including significant pieces like a portrait of George Washington crafted by Adolf Ulrik Wertmüller—an immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1790—will be concealed throughout the weekend. This demonstration comes amidst a climate of protests against current immigration policies, offering a powerful visual representation of the contributions that immigrants have made to American society.
As we reflect on our nation’s history, Presidents’ Day typically honors two of our greatest leaders, but this year, the atmosphere is overshadowed by the divisive rhetoric emanating from the current administration. The Davis Museum’s “Art-less” initiative joins a series of protests, marches, and other forms of resistance as people across the country seek to advocate for immigrant rights.
Moreover, the museum is inviting other institutions to join in this symbolic act of support. They’ve made it easy for sympathetic organizations to download the labels for their own displays, furthering the message of solidarity.
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In summary, the Davis Museum’s powerful statement serves as a reminder of the essential contributions of immigrants to our cultural fabric. By obscuring these works, they encourage us to reflect on what our society would lack without their presence.