We are the Monument

The empty plinth is a poignant reminder of the people and power which have shaped our collective histories.

Curated by artist Yuen Fong Ling, We are the Monument explored the ways in which the plinth can be seen as a social, political and cultural symbol and encouraged us to consider the significance of those represented on, or in opposition to, the plinth.

The exhibition included the newly commissioned work Monumentalise (2023), a series of short films made by Ling in response to artworks and objects from Sheffield’s collections. The series was made during Ling’s residency at Sheffield Museums as part of the UAL: Decolonising Arts Institute 20/20 project. This brings together 20 artists of colour and 20 UK public art collections leading to 20 new acquisitions.