This is a high quality fine art print of the original sculpture entitled "Companions".  The print captures the original sculpture by Alija Almosawi, created for the Who Are our Neighbors? National Endowment of the Arts funded "Our Town" grant exhibit.  
 
This piece signifies the trials and tribulations marginalized groups have faced in society.  The inspiration for the piece comes from the sculptor's Arab Muslim culture.  Arab Muslims have faced extreme scrutiny from the world and have been demonized in the media.  This piece shows these aspects right alongside how neighbors can be there and show up to support one other.
 
The original scupture combined chicken wire, plaster bandages, metal, fabric, and henna to depict a tormented figure being shielded by a large piece of sheet metal.  The metal is left to its natural state to show how, through the hardships marginalized communities face, they still remain firm in their beliefs and continue to be resilient.  In front of the figure, red arms hang down as if closing the metal around the figure.  These arms represent the community support around the figure, and the pain that others will take upon themselves to help their neighbors.  All aspects of the sculpture are purposefully deformed to represent the reality of people’s lives and how imperfections play a role in our everyday lives.
 
The original sculpture was inspired by Dallas bridge-builders Shpendim Nadzaku and Rev. Daniel Kanter who bring people together around Dallas and create understanding through dialogue, offering hope in the midst of troubles.  They emphasize how much everyone can help their community even in little ways.
 
This inspirational piece is reproduced here as a high quality fine art print on matte paper, and with a 1" white border all around.  Frame not included.