SILENT EMPRESS

Silent Empress made a statue of Queen Victoria speak, highlighting the uncritical culture of commemorating European colonial history. A loudhailer affixed to the statue broadcast a monologue broadcast excerpts from historical and contemporary political figures contending that empire-building was grounded in exploitation and violence, yet denying the need for apology. The work drew on Walter Benjamin’s concept of Eingedenken, suggesting that genuine apology requires continually remembering the past in the present rather than using “sorry” as a way to end debate.