Credit: Irene Castillo
PITTSBURGH (PTTP) — The University of Pittsburgh Department of History of Art and Architecture the University of Pittsburgh Center for International Studies, and the Center for Latin American Studies have joined forces to investigate how public art can serve as a platform for decolonial studies.
Undergraduate scholar Irene Castillo, a third-year student majoring in History of Art and Architecture, Museum Studies, and Latin American Studies, serves as a Humanities Center Undergraduate Fellow. Under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Joston and Dr. Kirk Savage, the collaborative research initiative focuses on exploring anticolonial and decolonial perspectives within the realm of public art, with a specific emphasis on The Hiker statue crafted by Alan George Newman in 1925.
Positioned outside the Frick Fine Arts Building, The Hiker commemorates soldiers who fought in the Spanish American War. This conflict resulted in the transfer of colonial power from Spain to the United States over territories such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. “Through interdisciplinary research, we aim to critically examine the narratives embedded within public monuments like The Hiker and explore how they can inform discussions on colonial legacies and decolonization efforts,” Castillo explained.
Using methodologies from art history and Latin American studies, Castillo’s research seeks to uncover The Hiker’s historical context’s complexities and implications for contemporary society and understanding of colonialism. As Castillo delves deeper into her research, she hopes to contribute to broader conversations on the role of public art in fostering critical engagement with history and promoting social justice.