"Ouhaddou's public artwork is the city's newest commemorative monument since the 'Women's Rights Pioneers Monument' was unveiled in Central Park in 2020."
"The artwork was backed by $1.4 million in support from the Mellon Foundation and a collaboration between the parks department and Washington Street Historical Society."
"Ouhaddou told Hyperallergic in an interview that her mosaics nod to the literary and cultural translation that these immigrant writers performed upon their arrival in New York City."
"Situated in the Financial District's Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza, the $1.6 million monument sits within the few blocks where immigrants from Greater Syria first settled in the late 19th century."
The New York City administration unveiled a public artwork titled "Al Qalam (The Pen): Poets in the Park" to honor the literary legacy of Little Syria. Created by artist Sara Ouhaddou, the mosaic installation celebrates nine influential figures, including Khalil Gibran. Located in Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza, the $1.6 million monument acknowledges the neighborhood's historical significance as an Arabic-speaking enclave. The project received funding from the Mellon Foundation and involved collaboration with local historical societies, marking a significant cultural recognition of immigrant contributions to the city.
Read at Hyperallergic
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