Photo credit: 9/11 Memorial staff
Accession Number: C.2016.88.278
Dimensions: 12 in X 12.125 in
Dimensions (Metric): 30.48 cm X 30.7975 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
Painting on canvas created by Naima Rauam of New York, New York. The painting is part of the Unity Canvas project and depicts 12 equal squares created from three rows of four. The top and bottom rows are painted blue. The top row has two white rectangles, resembling the Twin Towers, in each of the four squares. The middle row has a different solid color in each square: red, black, gray, and light gray. The piece is signed in the lower right corner.
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.