Tess Korobkin Receives the 20th Annual Frost Essay Award

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Tess Korobkin has been honored with the prestigious Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Patricia and Phillip Frost Essay Award for her groundbreaking article titled “Monumental Absence: Augusta Savage’s Unbuilt Monuments, 1931–1943.” Published in the fall 2023 issue of American Art, Korobkin's essay delves into sculptor Augusta Savage's visionary yet unrealized monuments dedicated to Black American lives and histories. This recognition underscores Korobkin's exceptional contribution to American art history scholarship.

Korobkin’s essay sheds light on Augusta Savage’s ambitious proposals for monuments honoring significant figures such as Florence Mills, James Weldon Johnson, and the Harlem Hellfighters. Despite none of these monuments coming to fruition, Korobkin explores the profound implications of Savage's unrealized projects, challenging conventional notions of memorialization in the U.S.-American landscape.

A distinguished panel of jurors, including Cherise Smith, Shawn Michelle Smith, and Chon A. Noriega, lauded Korobkin's essay for its meticulous research and insightful analysis. They commended her for expanding our understanding of Savage's creative process and filling critical gaps in the historiography of American monuments. Korobkin's work resonates with contemporary dialogues on public memory and the role of visual culture in shaping historical narratives.

Established in 2004, the Frost Essay Award celebrates outstanding scholarship in American art history. Each year, the award honors an essay published in American Art that advances the field with original research and fresh perspectives. Korobkin's achievement underscores her dedication to advancing the study of American art history.

As an alumna of the Smithsonian American Art Museum fellowship program and an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, Korobkin continues to make significant contributions to the field of art history. Her award-winning essay exemplifies her commitment to uncovering untold stories and redefining our understanding of American art.

Tess Korobkin's receipt of the 20th Annual Frost Essay Award highlights her exemplary scholarship and profound impact on American art history. Through her exploration of Augusta Savage's monumental aspirations, Korobkin invites us to reconsider the power of absence in shaping our collective memory and cultural identity. Her work serves as a beacon of excellence in the field, inspiring future generations of scholars to explore new frontiers in American art history.