The contemporary global landscape is witnessing the gradual fall of city sculptures in public spaces, marking a shift in the symbols that define urban identity. The preservation of these monuments has become more than a mere reflection; it is now a pressing reality. This dynamic presents a conservation challenge: how to handle "difficult heritage" and its influence on reshaping the urban image. In the past, cultural heritage was regarded as a testament to the best aspects of humankind. However, this perception has shifted, and today, the emphasis lies on memorial sites that convey the painful periods in human history (Logan & Reeves, 2009). These sites encompass the genocide locations, prisons, and internment institutions, collectively referred to as "difficult heritage." Beyond these, "difficult heritage" extends to encompass representations of racial or social discrimination, colonized narratives, and political oppression. In the form of sculptures and monuments, these representations become "uncomfortable heritage," encapsulating profound political and social tensions.
This paper explores the tensions faced by city monuments and their role in redefining urban identities, with a focus on a case study in Colombia, a nation characterized by its multiethnic and multicultural identity. Between 2020 and 2021, Colombia witnessed the dismantling of at least ten public monuments. These monuments were demolished, either due to state-driven urban modifications or indigenous communities advocating for alternative narratives. This case study uncovers the core conflicts between historical representations and contemporary demands, particularly in the Latin American context.
In conclusion, this work examines the intricacies, the dilemmas and alternatives surrounding cultural heritage conservation and its profound symbolic and political significance in molding urban identities. It aligns with the broader discourse on "patrimonialisation" and the dynamic, multifaceted processes involved in shaping heritage objects, reflecting the interaction of diverse stakeholders, frameworks, and experiences. This paper contributes significantly to the ongoing dialogue about heritage object preservation and adaptation, shedding light on their evolving place in an increasingly homogenized and globalized value system. It underscores the pivotal role of local voices in this ongoing transformation, emphasizing their substantial influence on the process. This extended abstract paints a more detailed picture of our exploration of city monuments and the challenges they face in a changing world, touching on the conflict between historical and contemporary narratives and the role of local communities in shaping heritage conservation.
KEYWORDS: Conservation, Monument, Public Space, City, Cultural Heritage
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Professor Paula J. Matiz-López
Director, Cultural Heritage Research Centre- CIPAC
University Externado de Colombia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamatiz
Paula Matiz is PhD in Management and Development of Cultural Heritage from IMT Institute for Advanced Studies de Lucca- Italia. Master in World Heritage at Work from International Training Centre of the ILO(CIF-OIL) and Polytechnic of Turin in partnership with the World Heritage Centre of UNESCO and ICCROM. Postgraduate Politics and international affairs from Universidad Externado de Colombia, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Columbia University - New York and Foundation Nationale de Sciences Politiques- Paris. Degree in Cultural Heritage conservation and Restoration from Universidad Externado de Colombia. Visiting researcher at de University of the West of Scotland- UWS and visiting fellow at ICCROM in Rome. Paula Matiz has worked in several national and international museums, and she also has worked as curator and lecturer at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, la Universidad Externado de Colombia y la Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano de Bogotá. Her interests are preventive conservation, risk management and climate change for cultural heritage.
This paper examines tensions faced by city monuments in redefining urban identities, focusing on Colombia's case study. It explores conflicts between historical representations and contemporary demands, particularly in Latin America. The work sheds light on cultural heritage conservation, symbolic significance, and political implications, aligning with the discourse on "patrimonialisation." It emphasizes the role of local voices in heritage preservation and adaptation, highlighting their influence. Overall, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about heritage object conservation in an increasingly homogenized and globalized value system.