Memorials Now

The first book of its kind to provide an expansive view of contemporary memorial debates and practices

Memorials have long been essential markers of cultural memory, but present-day political and social climates have raised urgent questions about their role in society. Memorials Now provides an in-depth examination of current debates surrounding memorial culture, addressing the pressing questions of how to handle controversial monuments and envision more inclusive commemorative practices. Through a comprehensive tripartite structure, this unique volume explores critical issues, presents illuminating case studies, and offers forward-thinking strategies for future memorial design.

Focusing on key themes such as diversity and inclusivity, alternative forms of commemoration, and evolving narratives of heroes and victims, authors Cher Krause Knight and Harriet F. Senie advocate for a just and artistically enriching memorial culture in light of the recent surge in public memorial projects amidst debates over historical reckonings and the role of monuments. Throughout the text, the authors highlight both the theoretical and practical aspects of designing memorials that engage contemporary audiences and reflect changing cultural values.

Equipping readers with frameworks for addressing controversial memorials and crafting innovative approaches to public remembrance, Memorials Now:

• Explores contemporary challenges in memorial design while offering critical insights on creating inclusive, meaningful commemorative spaces
• Presents an accessible three-tier approach encompassing critical issues, future directions, and global case studies of effective and experimental memorialization projects
• Discusses timely and controversial questions surrounding existing monuments and their role in today’s society
• Examines the shifting relationship between public memory, cultural identity, and political power
• Employs a flexible chapter structure designed for classroom adoption or individual use

Ideal for students, educators, and professionals in fields such as public art, art history, architecture, urban planning, public art, cultural studies, and civic engagement, Memorials Now is also essential reading for those seeking to understand and shape the future of memorial practices.

Cher Krause Knight is Professor of Art History at Emerson College. She currently serves on the Boston Public Art Triennial Advisory Group and was previously the Memorial Advisor for One Boston Resilience (Boston Art Commission, Mayor’s Office of Arts + Culture), as well as a Public Art Scholar for the City of Boston and the nonprofit Embrace Boston. Along with Harriet F. Senie, she is co-editor of Museums and Public Art? (Wiley Blackwell, 2016) and A Companion to Public Art (Wiley Blackwell, 2008).

Harriet F. Senie is Professor Emerita of Art History at City College and the Graduate Center, CUNY. She served on the New York City#s Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments, and Markers, as well as the She Built New York advisory committee and Mexico City’s Monument to Absence selection committee. Along with Cher Krause Knight, she is the founding co-editor of the journal Public Art Dialogue and co-founder of its international professional organization.