Photo credit: 9/11 Memorial staff
Accession Number: C.2016.88.31
Dimensions: 12.25 in X 12.25 in X 1.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 31.115 cm X 31.115 cm X 3.81 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Nilda Mesa and the Unity Canvas artists, in honor of the 9/11 victims, families, first responders, and all who seek peace
Description
Plush embroidery on canvas created by Phyllis Plattner of New York, New York. The embroidery is part of the Unity Canvas project and depicts a yin and yang in the center with surrounding text: "To turn turn will be our delight till by turning turning we come down right." Embroidered text in the four corners reads: "We Are One World."
Historical Notes
New York City artist Nilda Mesa organized the Unity Canvas as a collective response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. While shaken by 9/11, Mesa felt it was important to give fellow artists an opportunity to express their reactions to the tragedy. She issued a call for canvases, each measuring 12 inches by 12 inches, to become part of an art installation. After receiving around 300 pieces, she assembled them into the Unity Canvas, which was displayed in Brooklyn on the first anniversary of 9/11.