Public Projection
2022
A monument to Columbus in Pittsburgh has drawn controversy for years. It is currently involved in a lengthy court battle over its removal. In the meantime, it has been wrapped and sits waiting for the decision. Columbus Speaks draws from excerpts from his diary, and imagines the monument reading these out loud.
Excerpts:
Tuesday, 16th of October
They do not know any religion, and I believe they could easily be converted to Christianity, for they are very intelligent.
I saw no beast on the land of any kind, except parrots and lizards.
A boy told me that he saw a large serpent.
Monday, 29th of October
They had dogs which never bark, and wild birds tamed in their houses.
Monday, 12th of November
“I saw and knew” (says the Admiral) “that these people are without any religion, not idolaters, but very gentle, not knowing what is evil, nor the sins of murder and theft […]
Five came on board, and I ordered them to be detained.
They are now here. I seized seven women, old and young, and three children. I did this because the men would behave better in Spain if they had women of their own land