"Our Herd of Hope" Presented by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

During a weekend stroll in London,  we experience déjà vu when we came across lifelike bronze statues of elephants gracefully adorning Spitalfields Market. They reminded us of the herd in Berkeley Square. But these magnificent sculptures are the creation of Gillie and Marc, celebrated for promoting love, equality, and conservation worldwide.

This artistic exhibit, titled "Our Herd of Hope,"  is inspiring in that it serves a vital purpose - to generate support and awareness for the conservation of elephant species. Each smaller sculpture symbolizes a real elephant herd, emphasizing the importance of their protection. Partnering with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, this installation plans to migrate to various locations across London, making a powerful impact on its journey.  We will be following along! 

“In every language there is Land/En cada lengua hay una Tierra,” by Nicholas Galanin

As we prepare to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day this coming Monday, we thought it apt to share this magnificent thirty-foot tall steel sculpture presented by the Public Art Fund currently at home at Brooklyn Bridge Park, artfully spelling out the word "LAND." Created by indigenous artist Nicholas Galanin, “In every language there is Land/En cada lengua hay una Tierra” is reminiscent of Robern Indiana’s 1966 sculpture, “LOVE.” Galanin's perspective, emphasizing that "barriers to Land directly reflect barriers to love, love for Land, for community, and for future generations," underscores the thematic resonance between the two artists' works.

Galanin, a respected member of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, incorporates his heritage into his art, fostering a dialogue between Native and non-Native communities. His sculpture, crafted from the same material as the U.S.-Mexico border wall, challenges the concept of border walls and advocates for Indigenous approaches to land ownership and national borders, promoting freedom of movement .

The title, “In every language there is Land/En cada lengua hay una Tierra,” is in both English and Spanish to represent both languages imposed by colonial powers on either side of the U.S.-Mexican border. This artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples, persisting and transcending borders despite the unjust loss of rights, languages, and access to their ancestral lands.

"Minotaur and Hare on Bench" by Sophie Ryder

While walking around Canary Wharf in London, we found this intriguing sculpture.  Crafted by the globally acclaimed sculptor, Sophie Ryder, this monumental, wired artwork called “Minotaur and Hare on a Bench” is a captivating invitation to the realm of imagination. 

The Lady-Hare, adorned with a hare-like head and a womanly body, stands as an alluring counterpart to the legendary Minotaur of ancient Greek myths.  The sculpture embodies a poetic blend of femininity and nature, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the artist's interpretation of mythology. Although often portrayed as a fearsome and violent creature that preys on humans for sustenance throughout Greek mythology,  Ryder's rendition of the Minotaur transforms it into a figure that, rather than being menacing, embodies strength, love, and protection, designed to complement her Lady Hare sculpture.

These sculptures make a profound statement in the urban landscape. Their simplicity allows light to elegantly interact with their intricate forms, creating a captivating dance of shadows and highlights that further breathe life into Sophie Ryder's imaginative world, inviting all of us to explore the depths of our own creativity.