Master Sculptor, 90, Completes 9/11 Elegy and Tribute

Zoomer | September 9th, 2011

By Charmaine Gooden

Throughout history artists have responded to wars and violence with art. As a witnesses to the events of September 11, 2001, master sculptor John Henry Waddell has completed a monumental 30-figure bronze bas relief which took flight with the events of 9/11. “It was after 9/11 that the figures in the relief started to rise. I thought, ‘They can fly. They will express a hope for a kind of release and freedom,'” Waddell said.

The 50-foot monument, which Waddell titled ‘Rising’ evolved over a period of 10 years. It depicts 29 bronze human figures captured in a moment of ascension. Some figures are walking, some rising, some flying, but on all levels there are figures reaching out to one another. A lone figure in the work watches the ascent of the rest blurring the line between subject and object, and inviting the viewer as a joint witness to the unfolding experience.

Waddell, whose work spans nearly a century and depicts politics, humanity, the beauty of the individual and our struggle as humans to realize our best potential, is hopeful that the work will find a home at the memorial site in NYC, though he is open to other locations, as well, including the United Nations and sites both here and abroad.