"The last letters standing almost spelling 'decay'" - Netizens react to an ice sculpture of the word “Democracy” placed near the U.S. Capitol

An ice sculpture spelling the word "democracy" was placed near the US Capitol by two artists. The sculpture was unveiled on the National Mall and remained until it completely melted.

On Wednesday, October 16, a giant melting ice sculpture spelling the word was unveiled by artists Marshall Reese and Nora Ligorano on the National Mall at Washington, DC. The structure was around 20 feet tall and could be seen from the US Capitol. Speaking about the intention behind this gesture, the makers said:

"It symbolizes America’s weakened democracy and the costs of its failure amid growing militarism and authoritarianism. It’s hard being an American to think that we need pro-democracy advocacy actions and groups, but that’s what we do."

Fans took to X to react to the sculpture and its melting sight. One user pointed out that the remaining letters of the word were "decay". They wrote:

"The last letters standing almost spelling “decay”."

໊

@buffys

@PopBase the last letters standing almost spelling “decay”

Users shared similar thoughts and commented on the sculpture:

𝕛𝕒𝕟𝕖𝕒

@heyyitsjanea

@PopBase kinda poetic that the last letters left basically spell “decay”

TIMFAMØUS

@TIMFAM0US

@PopBase Perhaps my favorite self-own of all time.

RASHWAK

@Rashwak001

@PopBase Nothing says “modern politics” like watching democracy slowly drip away while everyone stares and pretends it’s art. Symbolism doesn’t get more brutally on-the-nose than this.

Fans continued to share more thoughts on the melting ice structure, while some pointed out that the United States is a republic.

The Reel DaFish

@JamesCr77781784

@PopBase I thought we lived in a republic? Like, isn’t this where the representatives meet? Our founding fathers were opposed to pure democracy - for obvious reasons. That’s why we live in a republic.

The Gunsmith Attorney

@DarienOfMcLean

@PopBase Ironically, a display that would only be allowed under our democracy.

Trevor Muse

@Trev803

@PopBase Who’s going to tell them the US is a republic.

---

Artist Marshall Reese opens up about the making of the melting ice "Democracy" sculpture

Government Shutdown Looms As House And Senate Disagree On Funding Bill - Source: Getty

The melting ice sculpture was created by two artists based in New York, Marshall Reese and Nora Ligorano. They are well-known for installing sculptures like these since 2006. The latest one marked their fourth time using the word democracy in their art.

Speaking more about what inspired the melting sculpture, Marshall Reese explained that recent changes in the US government and the expansion of the executive branch played an important role. He said:

"Democracy functions when people participate in it. Participate in elections or participate in working and communicating with their elected officials. We’d like to see more of that happen. I hope that people see this and are inspired to get to work and save our system."

Reese and Ligorano created this artwork as a part of the Up in Arms campaign, led by Ben and Jerry's co-founder, Ben Cohen. The initiative focuses on promoting responsible military spending in the US. The two artists named the structure "Last Call – DemocracyICED", creating a 3000-pound design. It was carried to Washington, DC, in a refrigerated truck to be put on display.

Speaking to the Washington Post, Reese added that the conceptual artwork of melting ice signifies "a powerful symbol that helps express the feelings and the sadness and the horror of Americans." The artist also mentioned certain government instances that made him feel deeply, including "attacks on freedom of speech" and "masked, unidentified secret police snatching people off the streets and arresting and deporting them."

Ben Cohen shared similar thoughts about the sculpture and its significance. He also spoke about government actions, adding:

"These are horrible things that we used to talk about as happening in other countries […] People being prosecuted and punished and sentenced without due process. Using the military against the population of the United States is undemocratic, right?"

---

The ice sculpture remained on display until it completely melted and was visible from the US Capitol.