MONUMENTAL FIGURES

Artist: Alan LeQuire

In 2025, Metro Parks and Recreation and Centennial Park Conservancy hosted an exhibition of new works by Sculptor Alan LeQuire in celebration of the 35th anniversary of his 42-ft Athena Parthenos located inside the naos of the Nashville Parthenon. It was the first time in the history of the 23,000 square foot museum that an artist was invited to exhibit on both floors as well as outside.  Instead of competing with Athena’s commanding presence, LeQuire chose to play off her renowned characteristics of strength, wisdom and democracy by creating 24 three-dimensional works focused on women with similar attributes, such as Olympians, inspired by Simone Biles, Wilma Rudolph and Sifan Hassan; and legendary civil rights activist, Diane Nash. 

Jennifer Richardson, from the Nashville Parthenon, curated the exhibit.  All works were fabricated at LeQuire Studio. Original drawings and maquettes were exhibited at LeQuire Gallery. 

"These pieces are all inspired by real women whom I admire, or whom I consider role models.” - Alan LeQuire

"The cast of characters that I have chosen may seem random, because it is. I believe we are all worthy of monumental statues, and when I planned the works for this exhibit, I chose those people that I felt an emotional connection to at that time. There is no other principle or motivation. I am working from observation, but also imagination and memory. These people were most present to me on all three levels. [Civil rights movement leader and community organizer] Fannie Lou Hamer is someone whose courage has inspired me for years. I love that I have the opportunity to honor her. Some of our most significant heroes are being forgotten, and I want to bring them back to our attention. This is the whole point of historical monuments, and I am trying to do that in a new way.” - Alan LeQuire, Nashville Scene, 2025