Jamie Martinez, The Rise and Fall of Christopher Columbus, 2024, vinyl, thread, acrylic paint, and air blower, H 15 feet x W 9 feet x D 7.5 feet, 1/3 Blower included.

The Rise and Fall of Christopher Columbus is a performative sculpture that evokes the dominant narrative of conquest and triumph that has overshadowed indigenous voices and histories in the Americas. Columbus embodies the triumphalist narrative of colonialism, yet deeper understanding prompts viewers to confront the shadows lurking beneath the surface. The most significant element, however, is the deflation of the towering Christopher Columbus figure after its rise. This act evokes a departure from the typical narrative of the conquistador always triumphing, re-examining the narrative of the Americas from the perspective of native peoples. By deflating Columbus, Martinez challenges the overpowering conquistador narrative that has historically dominated discussions about America, allowing marginalized voices and alternative histories to emerge.