The intense heatwave, with temperatures rising to 100°F (37.7°C), caused significant damage to the statue. Photos of the melting sculpture quickly spread online, causing many people to share funny and thoughtful comments. One person on social media said, “Maybe a wax Lincoln sculpture wasn’t the best idea during DC’s first week of summer heat.” Another person joked, “I look the same after 16 hours of work.” The pictures showed Lincoln’s head and right foot melting, with one leg completely separating from the body.
The extreme heat made the statue melt faster than expected, even causing the chair under it to sink into the ground. The wax used for the statue melts at just 140°F (60°C), so it couldn’t handle the high temperatures. CulturalDC, the group that ordered the statue, said the “melting” was part of the plan. They also mentioned that they had removed Lincoln’s head on purpose to stop it from falling and breaking.
Even though the statue is damaged, the melting wax Lincoln has become very popular online. Many people saw the melting statue as a humorous depiction of feeling tired or stressed. Others thought from a broader perspective, like the effects of climate change.
The statue weighs about 3,000 pounds and is part of Williams’ “The Wax Monument Series.” It is placed at Camp Barker, a historic site that was a Civil War-era refugee camp for former slaves. The statue will stay at the school until September. CulturalDC said the statue reflects the history of Civil War-era camps in DC, especially the importance of Camp Barker at Garrison Elementary.
The recent heat wave has impacted many areas of the United States. Forecasters are telling people in central and eastern regions to be prepared for long periods of heat strokes this month. Last year, the US had more heatwaves than any year since 1936, with hot weather unusually lasting more than two days. Officials are reminding everyone to take precautions to stay safe in these very hot conditions.
For artist Williams, the surprising reaction of the people shows how public art can be understood in many different ways. “People can see it in ways I didn’t expect,” he said. As the heatwave goes on, we don’t know what will happen to the melting wax Lincoln. But its influence as a symbol of climate and culture will keep going.
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