The legendary Rocky Balboa statue, an iconic symbol of Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, takes centre stage in a new exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This thought-provoking show, titled *Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments*, explores the significance of monuments in society, utilising the beloved fictional boxer to delve into themes of resilience, identity, and the complexities of cultural representation.
A Cultural Icon at the Heart of the Exhibit
Installed in 1982 following the success of the 1976 film *Rocky*, the statue has become more than just a tribute to Sylvester Stallone’s character; it is a magnet for tourists, drawing approximately 4 million visitors each year. This exhibition, curated by Paul Farber, co-founder of Monument Lab, seeks to unpack why this particular monument resonates so profoundly with people from all walks of life.
Farber notes, “It’s a cultural meeting ground. It’s a site of global pilgrimage for people finding a way through pain and difficulty.” He also highlights the irony that while Rocky is celebrated as the quintessential underdog, the statue represents a white character, overshadowing the many Black boxers who have shaped Philadelphia’s rich boxing history.
The Exhibition’s Historical Context
*Rising Up* is particularly timely, coming at a moment when monuments are being scrutinised and re-evaluated across the globe. The exhibition draws connections between Rocky and historical figures from the world of boxing, showcasing ancient sculptures like the Hellenistic *Seated Boxer*, works from the 19th century, and iconic images from boxing’s golden age, including Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion.
The show also features contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, effectively bridging the past and present to interrogate the evolving narratives around public figures and the monuments that commemorate them.
The Controversial Journey of the Rocky Statue
The Rocky statue’s journey from a mere movie prop to an emblem of aspiration is fraught with complexity. Initially, the museum considered removing the statue, reflecting a broader hesitance towards the meaning of monuments in contemporary society. Louis Marchesano, the museum’s deputy director, admits, “We had a very fraught relationship with a statue that started off as a movie prop.”
Stallone himself has expressed a deep connection to the statue, describing the museum steps as a “magical area” and a “bastion of intellect.” He reflects on how Rocky’s ascent up these steps represents a triumph over adversity, encapsulating the spirit of perseverance that resonates with the audience.
Exploring the Nature of Art and Monuments
The exhibition raises critical questions about the nature of art and the purpose of monuments. Farber recounts his conversations with sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg, who created the bronze statue, revealing the uncertainty surrounding its classification as art or merely a cinematic artefact. “Even the artist was unsure if the Rocky statue is art or a movie prop,” Farber explains.
This ambiguity invites visitors to reflect on their own interpretations of what monuments signify and the stories they choose to celebrate or forget.
Why it Matters
*Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments* is not just an exhibition about a fictional boxer; it is a lens through which we can examine the broader implications of monuments in our society. In an era marked by calls for inclusivity and representation, the show challenges us to rethink who and what we choose to commemorate. Monuments, as Farber suggests, can be transformative spaces for healing and belonging, but they must also confront the complexities of historical narratives and cultural identities. As visitors flock to the Rocky statue, they are not merely paying homage to a film icon; they are engaging in a vital conversation about hope, struggle, and the ongoing quest for justice in public memory.
