As with Walker’s previous works, the piece inspired controversy. Expected concerns over whitewashing slavery and a lack of context were here coupled with local opposition to the redevelopment itself and questions about the for-profit initiatives of nonprofit board members. The largest debates, however, arose as a result of the actions of visitors using the exhibit into a stage for selfies, and turning the sexually explicit aspects of A Subtlety into the butt of internet jokes. The behavior provoked “We Are Here,” a group/action that offered timelines, a space to note comments, and stickers with the phrase as a reminder of the presence of descendants of slaves as well an encouragement to get more people of color to attend the installation.
The redevelopment is now underway, but A Subtlety remains in memory as both an homage to the neighborhood’s past as well as a sugary web connecting the site to histories of slavery as well as tensions, violence, and privilege that linger today.
A Subtlety remains in memory as both an homage to the neighborhood’s past as well as a sugary web connecting the site to histories of slavery as well as tensions, violence, and privilege that linger today.
The artist was commissioned by Creative Time to create a temporary installation at the Domino Sugar Factory in advance of the building's demolition. The artist was given free reign to create a public artwork in the space.
All copyright belongs to Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Shanghai University.
