Targeted in protests, Chile removes general's statue
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Saturday, December 21, 2024


Targeted in protests, Chile removes general's statue
In this file photo taken on October 16, 2020, a demonstrator sprays in red the General Baquedano monument during a protest against Chilean President Sebastian Pinera's government at Plaza Italia square, in Santiago. The statue of General Manuel Baquedano in Santiago's Plaza Italia, vandalised every week in the most radical protests, was removed on March 12, 2021 amid a symbolic battle for control of the place that concentrates social demonstrations in Chile. Martin BERNETTI / AFP.



SANTIAGO (AFP).- The statue of a 19th-century Chilean general was temporarily removed from a Santiago square Friday after being repeatedly vandalized during protests.

The likeness of General Manuel Baquedano on horseback -- burnt, painted and dented in months of demonstrations -- was lifted from its pedestal in the early morning hours as military veterans paid their respects.

Nearby, a dozen protesters were detained.

Baquedano and his statue was not a specific target of protests that started in Chile in October 2019 against social inequality, corruption, and the rising cost of living.

But it got drawn into a symbolic tussle between protesters and authorities for control of the central square named after him.

The protests have continued, though on a much smaller scale, despite a referendum last October -- a key demand of the demonstrators -- voting to replace Chile's dictatorship-era constitution.

Week after week, hold-out protesters have taken aim at the statue, once painting it completely red, and repeatedly trying to topple it from its plinth.

On Monday, a group of hooded men tried to dismantle the statue with saws and hammers as a Women's Day rally was unfolding at its feet.

Three days earlier, it was set on fire.

President Sebastian Pinera said Thursday the monument, erected in 1928, will be replaced as soon as it has been fully restored "because we want to show our appreciation and respect for our heroes."

Baquedano was a hero of the War of the Pacific Chile fought against Peru and Bolivia in the late 19th century.

His statue overlooks the tomb of an unknown soldier who died in the same war.


© Agence France-Presse










Today's News

March 13, 2021

The secret stunt doubles of the art world

Garrett Bradley reminds us that Black joy always existed

David Zwirner opens an exhibition of works by William Eggleston and John McCracken

Exhibition at TAI Modern pairs works of Japanese bamboo art with flowers

British PM rules out return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

The First 5000 Days, sold for $69,346,250 to Metakovan, founder of Metapurse

First NFT work registered to the Vastari exhibition platform

The Rubin Museum of Art opens 'Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment'

Joy and anger in balance: The art of Lorraine O'Grady

Simon Bisley's original Lobo No. 1 cover heads to auction for the first time

Time stands still at historic Cairo watch shop

Holt/Smithson Foundation announces representation of Nancy Holt by Sprüth Magers

A rift over art and activism ripples through the performance world

New exhibition, Making Space, opens at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

Vast 'Indian Land' sign draws visitors to Desert X art festival

Targeted in protests, Chile removes general's statue

Museum of Russian Icons reopens with "Painted Poetry: Alexander Gassel"

Lyndon B. Johnson signed official printing of a landmark Civil Rights bill sold for more than $85,000

Book owned by Ada Lovelace is for sale, in honor of Women's History Month

Richard Saltoun Gallery opens an exhibition of works by Peter Kennard

James Cohan opens an exhibition of new works by Michelle Grabner

The captivating delight of birds is explored in new exhibition

Rare early Charlie Chaplin poster from 1913 to be offered at auction

London Art Week announces an impressive line-up of insightful and lively talks

What is Lintel? Types and Benefits of Lintel in Construction

How Artists Can Attract Audiences to Their New Music on Spotify

Meet the Artist-Photographer Who Brings Vivid Narratives into Existence

Incredible Facts About Instant Loans Finding the Best Instant Loans




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
(52 8110667640)

Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez
Writer: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful