HUMANITY art installation comes to St. Catharines

An art installation about humanity is coming to St. Catharines and aims to recognize the need for people to come together to reject hatred and injustice.

The piece is titled “HUMANITY” and was commissioned by Masai Ujiri, vice-chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors and Giants of Africa co-founder.

“We are so impressed with this piece and are looking forward to displaying it for residents and visitors,” St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe said.

The Niagara Artists Centre, in partnership with ramm Design and the City of St. Catherines, will present the steel sculpture to residents at an unveiling ceremony on Dec. 21.

The art installation will become part of St. Catharines’ ‘Let it Glow – A Celebration of Light’ program, an outdoor festival featuring interactive light installations, entertainment, and winter workshops.

“This high-profile installation will add an exciting extra element to our Let it Glow – A Celebration of Light program and allows us to extend this celebration into the winter months,” Siscoe said.

The piece has previously been displayed in Toronto and Ottawa and stands 2.4 metres tall.

The circular sculpture radiates light from a 12,000-watt bulb at its centre which shines through 35 words carved into its sides.

Compassionate terms such as understanding, togetherness, love, and unity join the word HUMANITY repeated upside-down on the bottom.

The light shines through the words, illuminating the ground surrounding the piece.

“The HUMANITY art installation represents hope – hope for a day where we see each other as equals,” Masai Ujiri said. “Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s fight for human rights, it is a reminder to come together as global citizens to reject hatred and injustice.”