Smithsonian and Golden Triangle Expand Women’s History Initiative Into the Streets of Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian and the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) announced a collaboration to bring a new public art exhibition to the streets of Washington, D.C. “Monument and Marker” is the latest exhibition from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative and the initiative’s first public art installation.
“Monument and Marker” includes two artworks, “Monument” by New York City-based artist Maren Hassinger and “Marker” by Washington, D.C.-based artist Rania Hassan. The artworks will be on display on Connecticut Avenue in Washington for about a year.
The artworks illuminate women’s stories. “Monument” is part of Hassinger’s Monuments series—a group of sculptures originally commissioned by the Studio Museum and first installed in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem in 2018—that uses sticks and branches from the local environment to build the artworks. Hassinger worked with a team of local volunteers to assemble the sculpture for Connecticut Avenue. “Monument” honors the physical and social achievements of the community and celebrates the possibilities of humans working together.
Hassan’s “Marker” is a monument to women’s histories and contemporary experiences and the fibers that connect people. The bright pink sculpture is based on the artist’s knitting and can be interpreted as an oversized crown or an abstract knitting project that is at once unraveling and coming together.
“It is thrilling to work with two feminist artists of different generations whose work amplifies women’s experience,” said Dorothy Moss, curator of painting and sculpture at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and curator of the project. “Maren Hassinger and Rania Hassan are committed to shining a light on the power of transformation and healing through work that builds community and connection. I am proud that these two artists are the first among what we hope will be a broad and exciting program of public work supported by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative in partnership with local organizations.”
The exhibition will be on display along Connecticut Avenue, the iconic street connecting the White House to Dupont Circle. “Monument” will be located at the Connecticut Avenue Overlook just south of Dupont Circle, and “Marker” will be located on the Connecticut Avenue median at K Street N.W.
“We are excited to partner with the Smithsonian to bring ‘Monument and Marker’ to Connecticut Avenue,” said Leona Agouridis, executive director of the Golden Triangle BID. “The project builds on our long-standing effort to bring museum-quality art to the Golden Triangle and to enhance the beauty of the neighborhood. Each day, the art will enrich the public space for nearly 90,000 workers and millions of visitors to enjoy throughout the year.”

In May 2021, Maren Hassinger will present “Birthright,” a newly commissioned work for the National Portrait Gallery’s IDENTIFY series dedicated to performance art. Anchored by Hassinger’s 2005 video work documenting the artist meeting her paternal uncle for the first time, the performance will explore the complexities of individual family histories through collective ritual. The interactive performance will take place Sunday, May 16, in the Portrait Gallery’s historic Great Hall.

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative, “Because of Her Story,” is one of the country’s most ambitious undertakings to research, collect, document, display and share the rich, complete and compelling story of women in America. Launched in 2018, the initiative seeks to create a more equitable and just American society by creating, educating, disseminating and amplifying the historical record of the accomplishments of American women. More information about the initiative, including exhibitions and public programs, is available online at womenshistory.si.edu.

Formed in 1998, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) enhances Washington, D.C.’s central business district, the 44-square-block neighborhood stretching from The White House to Dupont Circle. Home to roughly 6,000 businesses, the BID provides a clean, safe and vibrant environment for hundreds of thousands of workers, residents and visitors, and encourages economic development through capital projects, public art, sustainability and events. For more information, visit goldentriangledc.com and connect on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Note to Editors: Photos are available on Dropbox at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wgf05vpbqnxuyk8/AABW-4bhPW8vupTfJYgt8-rza?dl=0