Andrea Robbins and Max Becher have documented Ten Commandment monuments on public land across the United States, capturing their presence at courthouses, public schools, parks, and county seats.
Many of these monuments, originally gifted by the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in collaboration with the release of Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 film The Ten Commandments, or more recently by private citizens, have sparked legal disputes. Their placement on public property has been seen by some as an endorsement of religion and a violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Legal and Social Outcomes
- Some monuments remain, defended under the argument of historic significance.
- Others have been relocated or removed, either voluntarily or by court order.
- A few have been preserved by converting small public plots into private property.
Through their work, Robbins and Becher highlight the diverse and often controversial outcomes surrounding these monuments, reflecting broader debates about religion, history, and public space in the United States.
About the Artists: Andrea Robbins and Max Becher have collaborated since 1984 and are based in New York. Their work investigates the intersection of place, identity, and culture.
Events:
- Lecture: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 | 12:00 PM, 136 ARTlab
- Reception: Thursday, November 13,, 2014 | 4:30 – 7:00 PM