The unexpected disappearance of the Melania Trump statue in Slovenia has reignited discussions surrounding her controversial legacy and the symbolism of the artwork.
Melania Trump Statue Mysteriously Vanishes From Slovenia
Melania Trump Statue Mysteriously Vanishes From Slovenia
A bronze tribute to the former First Lady disappears amid ongoing controversy in her hometown.
The bronze statue, created by artist Brad Downey and unveiled in September 2020, has gone missing from its location along the River Sava in Sevnica, Slovenia, shortly after Melania Trump departed the White House. Locals were shocked to discover that the statue, which depicted the former First Lady in a larger-than-life form, was only left standing on its tree stump base.
Since its debut in July 2020, the statue has become notorious, particularly due to the unfortunate fate of its predecessor— a wooden statue sculpted by local artist Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, which met an untimely end when it was burned publically on the Fourth of July. Downey, who made a bronze replica to withstand future destruction, now finds himself at the center of yet another incident involving his artwork.
Authorities in Sevnica are treating the statue's removal as a theft, causing an investigation to be launched. Downey has expressed his suspicions that the incident might be politically motivated, possibly linked to the forthcoming election.
While local government officials officially condemned the tampering with public property, their comments hinted at a more complex sentiment, revealing that many in Sevnica do not feel pride in their association with the image of the former First Lady. As the search for the statue continues, the legacy of Melania Trump and the narratives surrounding her persona remain a topic of contention both locally and internationally.
Since its debut in July 2020, the statue has become notorious, particularly due to the unfortunate fate of its predecessor— a wooden statue sculpted by local artist Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, which met an untimely end when it was burned publically on the Fourth of July. Downey, who made a bronze replica to withstand future destruction, now finds himself at the center of yet another incident involving his artwork.
Authorities in Sevnica are treating the statue's removal as a theft, causing an investigation to be launched. Downey has expressed his suspicions that the incident might be politically motivated, possibly linked to the forthcoming election.
While local government officials officially condemned the tampering with public property, their comments hinted at a more complex sentiment, revealing that many in Sevnica do not feel pride in their association with the image of the former First Lady. As the search for the statue continues, the legacy of Melania Trump and the narratives surrounding her persona remain a topic of contention both locally and internationally.
