# Kennedy Center Removes Joel Shapiro's 'Blue' | Irvine News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/irvine-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7571856/kennedy-center-removes-joel-shapiro-s-blue-irvine-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/irvine-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7571856/kennedy-center-removes-joel-shapiro-s-blue-irvine-news.md
Podcast: [Irvine News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/irvine-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7571856)
Published: 2026-09-03T02:20:52+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/a58ce4f476f72ed2
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/ef0fa140-0e4d-4854-b6f9-0634096223fa.mp3
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Duration seconds: 104

## Resource

The Kennedy Center has removed Joel Shapiro’s iconic sculpture “Blue,” a towering blue figure that symbolized movement and possibility since its 2019 installation. The removal comes amid broader institutional changes, including a legal battle over the center’s name and efforts to reshape Washington’s cultural landscape. Shapiro, who passed away in 2025, is honored by the center, which called itself steward of his legacy. Critics, including activists who view the sculpture as a joyful landmark—especially for events like National Dance Day—have called its removal “dismemberment.” While “Blue” is no longer on display at the Kennedy Center, its future remains uncertain but hopeful, with the artist’s foundation potentially finding it a new home. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/a58ce4f476f72ed2 Presented by The Plant Daddies — rare specimen trees, living art, and hand-carved limestone vessels and fountains for extraordinary spaces. Showrooms in Los Angeles and Irvine. Listeners of Irvine News Today receive 10% off with code LANEWS10. theplantdaddies.com/lanews

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