inscrutable:
Difficult to fathom or understand; difficult to be explained or accounted for satisfactorily; obscure; incomprehensible; impenetrable.
Finally, after many days and nights of wonderment, I have discovered what those three incredibly vexing steel spears are that stick up into the sky near Arlington National Cemetary and the Pentagon. I have literally spent hours in dazed confusion over the seemingly random "art" that someone must think is worthy of displaying so prominently along 395 for everyone to see. As this Washington Post article puts it, "From a distance they look like the ribs of a crown roast, or a metallic flower or the graceful ends of a scallion sliced for the crudites platter."
It is none other than the new Air Force Memorial.
I am reminded again of a game in the Mole when I see these spears. The game was for half the team to create a work of art that would be displayed in a gallery opening alongside actual works of professional artists. They created this fabulous treasure chest with a boxing glove on a chain coming out of it -- I think you have to see it to appreciate it. Anyway, they ruined it by putting jewels just out of reach of the glove, which complicated it too much and destroyed the vision. This memorial does that to me. It might have been an interesting concept if it didn't include all these extra elements that complicate it (read the article for more detail). And for the fact that driving by on the freeway, there's no earthly way to tell what it is, and believe me, it's not apparent. To me it looks like a student art project gone wrong.
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3 comments:
Heh, I had heard about it before I saw it. Working for the Armed Forces they sent us all the plans over work email, and then I saw the actual memorial later. The sketches and drawings were much nicer...it really is a shame.
I suppose someone has to complain and therefore the reason for the existence of the Washington Post. Having not seen this memorial personally (only on TV), I'm not the best to comment. I will however say that anyone who wears the uniform will find the tall spires reminiscent of a Thunderbirds airshow. Having not had a memorial for all this time, those in the USAF will not complain that this is one of the tallest structures in all of DC. Myself personally, I think it is fitting to that extent. Concerning the other parts of the memorial, I'll have to wait and see myself. It would not be an accurate Air Force memorial if there was not something of questionable value added. Anyone who has served in the USAF knows both the excitement of being a member of the world's greatest Air Force along with the reality of what comes along with it on a day-to-day basis. From my personal experience, there is no place I'd rather be but there are days when I have to just shake my head.
Regardless, when the day comes that I will see the memorial myself, I'm sure I'll have equally mixed feelings. But mostly I think the one aspect that will stand out the most for me is the fact that it is very tall and unmistakable and for that I can say I'm very happy.
GO AIR FORCE!!!
Just in case there is any confusion here, let me just say that I highly regard and honor our armed forces. I am in no way discounting their service to our country or the fact that the Air Force deserves a fitting memorial. One of my favorite of all DC monuments is the Marine Corp Iwo Jima Memorial. It is both valient and awe-inspiring.
My complaint about the Air Force memorial is not that there IS one, certainly, but that it is hideous. I understand the concept of making the spires look like a flight pattern. It just doesn't translate. And now we have this weird attempt at honor sticking out of the ground like the heads of green onions. And that, to me, is not honoring our airmen. It's just a misuse of resources.
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