MOCA acquires Kara Walker's reimagining of a Stonewall Jackson statue - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Jessica Gelt

February 24, 2026

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The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has acquired artist Kara Walker's groundbreaking sculpture *Unmanned Drone*, a reimagined version of a Confederate statue that originally stood in Charlottesville, Virginia. The towering 13-foot bronze piece, created by Walker from the decommissioned Stonewall Jackson statue, is now part of MOCA's permanent collection and serves as a centerpiece of its "Monuments" exhibition. This acquisition highlights MOCA's commitment to acquiring works that challenge historical narratives and address contemporary social issues. *Unmanned Drone* was crafted by Walker after the Charlottesville city government removed several Confederate statues following widespread protests over their association with white supremacy. The statue, which had been a focal point for the 2017 Unite the Right rally, was given to The Brick gallery in Los Angeles, where it was then passed to Walker for reimagining. By slicing apart the original statue and welding it into a new form, Walker shifted the focus from Jackson himself to his horse, Little Sorrel, emphasizing the symbolic power of the steed over the mythologized figure of the Confederate general. The sculpture's transformation reflects Walker's intent to deconstruct harmful historical narratives tied to white supremacy. By rendering Jackson's faceless and highlighting the horse's presence, she creates a haunting yet powerful critique of the persistence of racial inequality. As noted by art critic Christopher Knight, *Unmanned Drone* evokes the myth of the "headless horseman," a nightmarish figure that mirrors the ongoing impact of white supremacy today. MOCA's acquisition of *Unmanned Drone* is part of its broader effort to expand its collection with works that address pressing cultural and political issues. The sculpture joins other significant additions, including pieces by internationally renowned artists like Olafur Eliasson and Takako Yamaguchi. This reflects MOCA's role as a leader in presenting art that not only challenges the status quo but also fosters dialogue on critical societal topics. This acquisition matters because it underscores the growing shift in how society engages with historical monuments, particularly those tied to Confederate heritage. By reimagining these symbols through contemporary art, institutions like MOCA are helping to reshape public understanding of history and its ongoing relevance. Walker's *Unmanned Drone

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026