The latest episode of 99% Invisible examines the Rocky Statue. It was a real treat to talk with Justin Kramon for the story and share some of my research from Contested Image.
Rocky and the Making of Monuments
On April 25, “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments” opens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The exhibition catalogue includes an essay I wrote on the Rocky Statue as a civic icon, building on my 2019 book, Contested Image: Defining Philadelphia for the Twenty-First Century.
Looking for even more on Rocky and Philadelphia? The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia is a great place to start.
Podcast: The Statue
In a new podcast from WHYY, Monument Lab’s Paul Farber delves into the stories and significance that surround the Rocky Statue. I’m so honored that my book Contested Image: Defining Philadelphia for the Twenty-first Century helped inform this fabulous project!
New Essay: Joker and Media Tourism
Building on my research about Rocky and media tourism in Philadelphia, I wrote about the fan practice emerging around the so-called “Joker Stairs” in the Bronx:
“Joker fans flocking to a Bronx stairway highlights tension of media tourism.” The Conversation. November 1, 2019.