Boston's City Hall Plaza was ablaze with more than just political discourse today as artist Adela Goldbard's two-year endeavor culminated in a fiery spectacle. Setting alight a 24.5-foot colonial Galleon meticulously crafted from Mexican reeds, Goldbard aimed to ignite conversations about the last 300 years of history. As per WCVB, the free event started at 7:45 p.m., drawing spectators to witness music, fireworks, and a pyrotechnic performance meant to provoke critical thinking.
The Boston Public Art Triennial's exhibit wasn't just a bonfire but a narrative reenactment, with a "first encounter" between Indigenous people and European colonists acted out. Woven by Uros artisans from Lake Titicaca and involving a range of collaborators, including the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and a Wampanoag Tribe co-curator, Goldbard's ship represented the complex history of colonization. "This spectacle is really something that permeates the audience and stays with you, so that hopefully leads to critical thinking," Goldbard told WCVB in their coverage of the event.
The performance also honored the deeper history of the region's Native American communities, including the Wampanoag, Nipmuc, and Pocumtuc peoples. Goldbard and her team set the installation on a historically significant date, referencing an edict that tangibly contributed to the oppression of Indigenous peoples. According to the Triennial's website, the performance serves as a counterpoint to the violence that underpinned the colonization of Massachusetts, celebrating Indigenous resistance and resilience in the process.
The City of Boston partnered with the Triennial to organize this potent blend of art and history. As stated on The Triennial's website, this union facilitated a "safe and welcoming experience." The event was further bolstered by international collaborations, with contributions coming from the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, UMass Lowell, and others. The installation, a reflection of a diverse and intercontinental effort, was in place for 9 days before its fiery denouement.
