Reported by VPM News Intern Alan Rodriguez Espinoza
A drumline helped welcome the sculpture “Rumors of War” to its new home, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond Tuesday. The performances by the Richmond Public Schools All City Marching Band played an integral role in the ceremony to unveil the three-story statue.
The coordinator for Fine Arts at RPS Christie Joe-Adams says it this is a “momentous occasion” for students to be part of.
“It gives us some hope, it gives us some confidence and it allows the boys and girls to see that they too can be important in Richmond city,” she explained.
“Rumors of War,” by artist Kehinde Wiley, depicts a Black youth riding a horse while posing in a way similar to that of the monument to Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart on Richmond’s Monument Avenue.
“It’s just the look of it, it exudes so much power,” Shania Foreman, who plays tuba in the marching band, said.
The sculpture is on permanent display at the VMFA. It was originally showcased in New York City earlier this year.
