'Portraits of Pride' vandalized on the Boston Common
Just as the Boston Common "Portraits of Pride" exhibit was about to close, several portraits of Massachusetts LGBTQ leaders were recently slashed.
The exhibit, which ran during October's LGBTQ History Month, features 8-foot-tall photographic portraits of 22 LGBTQ leaders in Massachusetts.
Creative Director Jean Dolin posted this statement to the exhibit's Facebook page:
"I am truly heartbroken to see that the exit exhibition has been vandalized on the Boston common.
Portraits of Pride is a labor of love and love letter to all the champions and icons of the LGBTQ community in Boston. I have been wrestling with this vandalism for four days trying to decide whether I should give it any energy and address it. But I am at a loss for words, saddened, and hurt to my core.
Not just for the works of art for John Huet who put so much time into this project, creating these masterpieces; but also for the honorees whose portraits have suffered vandalism. I am so sorry, I couldn't protect you from such a traumatic experience. I am so sorry, that I have exposed you in this way, Derek Young Jr., Beth Chandler, Alia Cusolito and Julian Cyr.
It is gut wrenching to see you having to endure such hate and violence. I promise to do better next time, even if it means I have to protect him with my own body. This act of violence on your faces and your bodies is cruel, and I share all the sentiments of pain that you may feel."
NOPI - Nonprofit Incubator posted:
"We are heartbroken to share this news about one of our beloved programs. Portraits of Pride is a beautiful display honoring LGBTQ leaders of Boston during LBGT History Month, and we strongly condemn this vandalism.
The Portraits of Pride exhibition has positively impacted our community in Boston and beyond. To be defaced in such a violent way is upsetting and unjust. We stand with the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to work to empower LGBTQ leaders to fight against inequity and hate. We will support Portraits of Pride in returning next year and for many years to come."
The MFA Boston posted:
"We are shocked and saddened to hear about the defacement of four photos by photographer John Huet on Boston Common. Portraits of Pride is a powerful photography installation celebrating LGBTQIA+ leaders including YW Boston CEO and MFA trustee Beth Chandler. These works of art are a testament to the many people who make our community strong, show how art can bring us together, and help us all imagine and realize our future together. No artist should be the subject of violence against their work. We stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and condemn this act of violence in our city."
An investigation by the civil rights unit of the Boston Police Department is ongoing. There have been no arrests.