National Archives, D.C. Photograph - Limited Edition of 5

Renaissance interpretations of ancient architecture are presented in pristine white idealized purity. The archaeological evidence of the ancient Greek and Roman antecedents shows elaborate color applied to sculpture and architectural ornament, while the neo-Classical adaptations instead use white symbolically. Hans Lee uses color as an ancient technique to ponder new questions of the symbols of western democracy amongst cultural and linguistic diversity. The choices of colors applied, particularly to human figures, asks who is being depicted by the statuary and who are the intended recipients of the visual symbols. The full spectrum of color is today firmly established as the symbol of diversity and fringe cultures, and the multi-hued recreations of these monuments to e pluribus unum speak more clearly to all of those whom these symbols ought to represent. E pluribus polychromy!