Accession Number: C.2016.88.269
Dimensions: 11.875 in X 11.875 in
Dimensions (Metric): 30.1625 cm X 30.1625 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
Collage on canvas created by Elaine Forrest of New York, New York. The collage is part of the Unity Canvas project and depicts a painted border in red with white stars. Inside the border is another border made of portrait images of victims clipped from newsprint. The center is a painted yellow star on a white background with a blue border and text in white: "IN A TIME OF | INHUMANITY | THERE IS | HUMANITY."
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.