You recently commented on the article we posted about this image.

It was not our intention to circulate false information so after much discussion surrounding what the meaning was we decided to contact the sculptor.

I felt this was important as the image has come to hold meaning for many people of African descent (including myself whose parents are from Grenada, where the sculptures are located).

This was his reply:

“It was never my intention to have any connection to the Middle passage, below is the original text. Although it was not my intention from the outset I am very encouraged how it has resonated differently within various communities and feel it is working as an art piece by questioning our identity, history and stimulating debate.”

- Jason de Caires Taylor

Although I do find it interesting that these particular sculptures were allowed to be placed on the island of Grenada I also have to respect the artists intention and commend the fact that now that he’s aware of what many take the sculptures to mean that he is now leaving the intention open to discussion.

However it is very to say, ” I think of all the “Slaves that were killed during the Slave Trade when I see this art.” then to say, “This work was created to honor the slaves that were thrown off of ships during the slave trade.”

The artist has a right to say it was made to represent one thing and the viewer have the right to disagree and think it was something else. However we don’t have the right to lie about how and why it was created. I was impressed that someone did honor these “lost people” with a created memorial. It was disheartening to find out it was created for an entirely different reason.