Unity
Artist Name:
Jeanine Bintimitende
Nargis Kargadaeva
Travis Newsome
Julia Anelli
Artist Statement
Our monument title is ‘Unity ‘and is a collective thought embracing the truth about the unrest in our country. Together we wanted to create a monument that would reflect an image of all people, races and backgrounds bringing harmony and creating a movement offering change and hope for the future.
This year with all its challenges during the pandemic has definitely caused a major divide amongst each other and the experience has formed social unrest, civil disorder and an expression of dissatisfaction. Our country has been hit hard and many people are struggling with poverty, inequality, food insecurity, home eviction and political uprising causing mental and chronic stress.
Enlightened of the circumstances, our group wanted the monument to evoke positive emotions and feelings of unity and peace. Confidence and hope are what this monument offers for all people, regardless of culture or backgrounds. Our monument is abstract symbolizing unification and peace that lifts people’s spirits and does not manipulate by imposing a statue that can be offensive or disrespectful. Our hope is that all people would interpret the monument as a gift that motivates friendship by building courage, strength, determination, trust, freedom and ultimate victory.
If we look back in time, we did not ever think life could become so difficult, then to create a monument that in a way represents this tragic memory of events is in some
ways sad. Nevertheless, history tells us that life’s unfortunate experiences have defined us as a nation that can rise together and become unified as one. Most important is that everyone can do their part to understand, listen, be kind and compassionate to one another. We hope our monument will highlight all the good that our country and its people hold.
