opinion columnists

A recent event at the “MONUMENTS” art installation at MOCA and The Brick in Los Angeles sparked debate about the recontextualization of Civil War monuments. The discussion followed an interview with Los Angeles artist Alison Saar, conducted by Hamza Walker, director of The Brick, regarding the sculpture “Unmanned Drone” by Kara Walker.

Deconstructing the Past

The sculpture at the center of the discussion is a reimagining of a decommissioned Civil War monument, specifically one previously located in Charlottesville, Virginia, depicting General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and his horse, Little Sorrel. The original statues were not erected immediately after the Civil War, but rather commissioned around the 1920s as part of a movement promoting the “Lost Cause” narrative.

After Charlottesville decided to remove the statue – prompted by a high school student, Zyahna Bryant, who objected to walking past a celebration of slavery on her way to school – The Brick intended to give the bronze horse and rider to Kara Walker. Walker then deconstructed the monument using a plasma cutter, reassembling it into a new form described by critic Carolina Miranda in the New York Review of Books as “a cluster of horse legs supports a figure that … appears both human and not.”

A Question of History

During a question-and-answer session following the interview, Hamza Walker, The Brick’s director, was asked by an audience member if the project was “destroying history.” The question was posed to Walker, who is African American. The author of the original piece chose to abandon before hearing the response.

Kara Walker herself has stated that slavery “was all horror. Why should it look like it was anything other than?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “MONUMENTS” art installation?

“MONUMENTS” is described as the most talked-about art installation at any museum or gallery in the nation, currently located at MOCA and The Brick.

Who is Kara Walker?

Kara Walker is described as “our finest artist in the realm of reminding us just how subpar slavery really was.”

What prompted Charlottesville, Virginia to remove the statue of Stonewall Jackson?

A high school student, Zyahna Bryant, told the City Council she did not want to walk by a celebration of slavery on her way to school every day.

How do we balance the preservation of historical artifacts with the require to acknowledge painful truths about the past?

Los Angeles taxpayers could face significant, undefined costs as the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Negotiations between the city and the LA28 organizing committee regarding financial responsibility for “enhanced city resources” – services beyond normal operations required to host the Games – are ongoing and, as of February 18, 2026, remain unresolved.

Financial Concerns Mount

The core of the issue centers around an “Enhanced City Resources Master Agreement,” or ECRMA. This agreement is intended to clarify what the LA28 committee will cover financially and when. The deadline for signing the ECRMA was October 1, 2025, but it remains incomplete.

Without a finalized ECRMA, the city lacks firm cost estimates for essential services like police, sanitation, fire department, and transportation. The potential financial burden extends beyond Los Angeles, as other host cities, including Inglewood, may also incur “enhanced city resource” costs.

Complicating Factors

The situation is further complicated by uncertainty surrounding security expenses. While the federal government has allocated $1 billion for security, the scope of the secure areas around venues – and who will pay for security outside those zones – remains unclear.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 14, 2028, and the Games will continue through July 30, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 15-27. This month-long event is anticipated to draw a massive influx of visitors.

Recent Developments

The negotiations have been further impacted by controversy surrounding LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman, whose name appeared in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Initial reluctance from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to comment on the matter was followed by a call for Wasserman’s resignation from the LA28 board, after the board itself found no reason for him to step down.

Looking Ahead

The state of California has limited its financial exposure, and the federal government has committed funds for security. However, the city of Los Angeles remains in a precarious position, still attempting to finalize the ECRMA without concrete cost estimates. The City Council will continue to raise questions regarding sustainability, social justice, and local business opportunities. It is also possible that negotiations will continue to stall, leaving Los Angeles taxpayers vulnerable to unforeseen expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “enhanced city resources?”

Enhanced city resources are any city services or resources that proceed beyond what the city normally provides in its day-to-day operations, and will be needed because of the Olympic Games.

What is the ECRMA?

The ECRMA, or “Enhanced City Resources Master Agreement,” is supposed to make clear what the LA28 committee will pay for, and when.

What is LA28’s stated funding model?

LA28 describes itself as independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organization with revenue from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.

Given the ongoing uncertainty, what level of financial risk are Los Angeles residents willing to accept to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games?