How does Wiley’s work form a perspective or comment on both America’s past and present?

Wiley’s work form a mixed perspective on America’s past but also the present, by indicating the possibility of progress with the erection of “Rumours of war” signifying the ability for a black man to be sitting on a horse, in a position of power within the old capital of the confederate states. Rumours of war comment on the way a social paradigm shift is happening, where America is becoming more equal compared with the past. The use of including a horse, or equestrian sculpture indicates the position of power, being more equal, but it is also Wiley’s way of commenting on the inequality in modern day distribution of power and wealth within America’s society, although better than the past, much of America’s wealth and power is in the hands of white Americans, and many minorities find them-selfs at a disadvantage.