Renowned sculptor Sabin Howard has unveiled a 60ft-long bronze masterpiece at the heart of the World War I Memorial in Washington DC, showcasing his dedication to peace. The modern sculpture features 38 figures in a powerful narrative known as “A Soldier’s Journey”. Howard, who emerged victorious in a design competition for the memorial in 2016, wanted to pay tribute to the 4.7 million Americans who served in WWI.
The sculpture seeks to capture the horror of war while also highlighting the emotional journey of a soldier from leaving for battle to coming home. Howard’s careful attention to detail included using real military veterans as models to bring authenticity to the piece.
The sculptor’s journey also took him to Britain, where he found the perfect foundry to bring his vision to life. The Pangolin Foundry in Stroud, Gloucestershire, provided the craftsmanship and expertise needed for such a monumental project. Howard’s goal was to create art that is emotionally engaging and relatable to a wide audience.
In reflecting on the significance of his work, Howard emphasizes the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes. He suggests that current political tensions could lead to another world war and hopes that his sculpture serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict. Ultimately, “A Soldier’s Journey” is not just a war memorial, but a tribute to humanity and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
