‘ICONoclasts’ explained: How to read a lush new public artwork

Marryam Moma’s public art project across the facade of a Sweet Auburn landmark is full of rich detail on the lives of her subjects. Here, the Atlanta artist shares her ideas about the work’s symbolism and messages.

Artist Marryam Moma (left) in front of part of her public art work "ICONoclasts," displayed across the windows of Herndon Plaza in Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district. Moma is joined by "ICONoclasts" subjects (from left) Ricci de Forest, Alice Lovelace and Sue Ross. Courtesy of Sam Bentley

By ArtsATL staff – ArtsATL

Oct 24, 2024

Marryam Moma’s “ICONoclasts,” a work of public art gracing the windows of Herndon Plaza in the city’s historic Sweet Auburn district, portrays six of Atlanta’s most influential Black figures.

That list includes photographer Sue Ross; community activist Mtamanika Youngblood, director of neighborhood transformation at the Annie E. Casey Foundation; “Mayor” of Sweet Auburn John Wesley Dobbs; Doris Derby, who photographed quieter moments of the Civil Rights Movement in rural Mississippi; educator and historian Ricci de Forest, founder of the Madam C.J. Walker Museum in Sweet Auburn; and poet Alice Lovelace, executive director of East Point’s ArtsXchange.

Moma’s collage portraits are richly layered with symbols and historical references pertaining to the lives of her subjects. Here, in Moma’s words are what some of the symbols mean and why they matter.

"ICONoclasts" installed at Herndon Plaza. Courtesy of Sam Bentley

ICONoclasts is a collaboration of the Historic District Development Corporation and Dashboard and will be on view until Dec. 31. Antonio Darden executed the project’s fabrication and typography.