Arc de Triomphe for Personal Use (Grey) 2007

"Arc de Triomphe for Personal Use (Grey)" is a 2007 sculpture by Jimmie Durham, known for his conceptual and often humorous commentary on social and political issues. This piece is a minimalist construction of metal, resembling a simplified version of the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Durham's deconstruction of this monumental symbol of triumph and its placement on wheels suggests a critique of Western history, colonialism, and the appropriation of cultural symbols. The minimalist style and the wheels on the structure add a playful element, inviting contemplation on power, identity, and the symbolic nature of monuments.