Artist Allen Uzikee Nelson Name In Spirit Created 2001 | Opened 2001 Year 2001 | |
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Coordinates 38°56′33.84″N 77°1′31.97″W / 38.9427333°N 77.0255472°W / 38.9427333; -77.0255472 Address Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC, United States | ||
(Here I Stand) in the Spirit of Paul Robeson is a public artwork by American artist Allen Uzikee Nelson, located at the intersection of Kansas Ave NW, Georgia Ave NW and Varnum St NW in the Petworth neighborhood in Washington, D.C., United States. It is a tribute to musician, actor and social activist Paul Robeson.
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Description
This steel (possibly Cor-Ten steel) sculpture stands like a sign in the middle of the intersection. It rises upwards and opens up into a large face created with heavy African influences. Greenish glass frames the face. The artist describes it as a "Janus-face".
Artist
Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, Uzikee now lives in Washington D.C. His background in engineering provides a basis for his work. His creative goal is to combine "African design and aesthetic into subconscious culture." All of his works are three-dimensional, steel and glass. His work has been on display at Howard University, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, and throughout the United States.
Acquisition
The piece was formally dedicated on April 8, 2001 to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of Paul Robeson's birthday.