What the Helen of Troy is This

photo by Jeanette.Cook

Thanks to J. for sending: “I haven’t seen any explanation for its removal.”

“The Kennedy Center introduces Joel Shapiro’s “Blue”.

Joel Shapiro’s sculptures explode with the exuberance of youth. Their simple rectangles are assembled like stick figures that magically come alive.

Blue is poised in mid-kick, turning the surrounding landscape into a giant stage as it prepares to pirouette across the grass.

Shapiro spent two years in India in the Peace Corps, where he was inspired by the integration of art and culture. His sculptures are installed in scores of cities around the world. They achieve the goal set centuries ago by Egyptian and Greek sculptors—to endow base materials with movement and spirit of life.

Blue is located by the Video Wall at the REACH.”

From the National Park Service:

“Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, the National Park Service will implement a temporary closure of the northbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW from September 2, 2026 at 6:00am, to September 2, 2026, at 1:00pm. The exact times are subject to change based upon the evolving schedule of the events. Closures and public use restrictions will be delineated in the map below and as further delineated by U.S. Park Police presence, and other physical barriers.

Specifically, there will be temporary closure and restricted public access to the northbound lanes of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW, with blockades at the E St on-ramp, at the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and Parkway Dr NW, which would direct traffic from Ohio Dr SW to Parkway Dr NW, and at the intersection of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and F St NW. The restricted areas are depicted in the enclosed map (see below).

These temporary closures and restrictions are at the request of The Kennedy Center for the removal of the “Blue” Statue on The Kennedy Center grounds. A crane will occupy the northbound lanes of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway in order to remove the statue. These closures ensures the safety of the crew removing the statue and the public. Less restrictive measures and means are unavailable in the removal of the statue based on its location. (more…)