Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensa’s septuplet of sculptures, “Tolerance,” was dedicated last week, accompanied by addresses by Mayor Annise Parker, former Mayor Bill White, Mica Mosbacher, a representative of the Aga Khan Foundation and the artist himself.
The Houston Arts Alliance-commissioned sculptures of kneeling human figures, composed of multi-lingual melded metal letters resting on Spanish boulders, have been installed at the corner of Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard, and will soon serve as the locus of Harmony Walk and the Rosemont Bridge.
With the downtown skyline as a backdrop, the sculptures encourage Buffalo Bayou joggers and commuters on Allen Parkway to give pause and consider the city’s dynamic diversity.[…]
At the dedication, White expressed thanks to His Highness the Aga Khan, who was pivotal in making “Tolerance” happen and has spearheaded plans for an Aga Khan Foundation Center on a lot across Allen Parkway. He became intimately involved in the project after meetings with White, with whom he shares a keen appreciation for diversity.
“I remember meeting with His Highness across the street when we first had a glimmer that public art may be attainable in this special place. At a time when we were in the depths of a great recession, the Aga Khan Foundation came through in a big way,” White said.
Earlier related: Dr. Mahmoud Eboo: New art installation celebrates Houston’s diversity
Ismailimail 