The Kennedy Center on Wednesday dismantled "Blue," a prominent sculpture by artist Joel Shapiro that had been a fixture on its grounds since 2019. The removal of the tall, blue stick figure marks the latest change at the performing arts center, which has been the subject of disputes.
The sculpture, described by Shapiro as embodying "action and risk and performance and energy" and a "celebration of possibility," was installed as part of a 2019 addition to the campus known as The REACH. Shapiro, known for his minimalist yet dynamic figures, died in 2025. The Joel Shapiro and Ellen Phelan Foundation may see "Blue" reinstalled elsewhere.
A crane was used to remove the sculpture's appendages as workers completed the disassembly. A statement from the Kennedy Center expressed gratitude to Shapiro for "animating our campus and connecting visitors to his vision," adding that the center was "honored to have been stewards of his vibrant work and a part of his enduring legacy."
Michael Sebastiani, associated with the group Hands off the Arts, observed the removal and referred to it as a "dismemberment." This group was formed partly in response to changes enacted at the Kennedy Center during President Donald Trump's second term. Sebastiani characterized "Blue" as a "welcoming fixture" for visitors to the city and noted its role as the mascot for National Dance Day on September 19, an event held near the sculpture.
The removal of "Blue" occurs within a context of broader initiatives aimed at altering Washington D.C. According to Source 1, these efforts have included proposals such as demolishing the White House's East Wing to build a ballroom, constructing a triumphal arch, and renovating a golf course. The Kennedy Center itself has been involved in legal proceedings concerning the potential naming rights of the institution.