update: Surveillance footage from security cameras shows a person leaving some type of explosive device beneath a sculpture of Vladimir Lenin, Monday, November 7, which explodes into a plume of white smoke.Russian revolutionary art installation was destroyed by an explosion.
In the video, a person wearing a light-colored long-sleeved T-shirt and dark pants can be seen approaching the statue on the grounds of 321 W Commerce St., adjacent to TPR headquarters, around 3 a.m. on Monday. I can do it. I hesitate when something like a security light comes on, but I keep putting something under the sculpture.
The person casually walked away, and seconds later I saw the explosives detonate and a plume of white smoke rise up. The footage ends immediately, but no damage to the sculpture is visible. The adjoining land used as an art space called La Zona is not owned by TPR. No one was injured in the explosion and no TPR property was damaged.
San Antonio arson investigators are investigating the case.
Watch the security video below.
The original story continues below.
Witnesses in the area reported an explosion and smoke at the blast site on Monday morning, November 7. Vladimir Lenin’s Chromehead Downtown Art Installation Next to Texas Public Radio Headquarters at 321 W Commerce St. Arson investigators from the San Antonio Fire Department are currently investigating the carving’s apparent vandalism. TPR report.
TPR reporter Paul Flahive tweeted that “a bomb detonated outside the office early this morning,” but even if there was a device used to damage the sculpture, it Unknown. SAFD spokesperson Joe Arrington said the incident was being investigated as a criminal offence, but provided no other information. Arrington said no one was injured. confirmed.
TPR said it was on private property and no TPR property was damaged, so there was no comment.
properties, called La Zonais a community art space featuring rotating artwork and owned by local developer James Lifshutz. Andy Rodriguez, Vice President of Centro San Antonio and Cultural Facilities, worked with Lifshutz to help bring the piece to La Hezona in March. Its appearance was the talk of the town that month. MySA reached out to his Lifshutz for comment.
Liz Burt of Centro SA said:
Sculpture of Lenin A touring installation by an international artist called the Gao Brothers. Mr. Mao trying to stand on Lenin’s head. It depicts a critical caricature of Chinese communist revolutionary and founder of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong, with his small body and large head balanced on top of the heads of Russian and socialist revolutionaries.
Brother Gao chose to “play the role of a critic of the political environment in his homeland,” according to a guide to art works.