Thomas Sleet | 2016

 Riverview MetroBus Center
Painted, waterjet-cut aluminum panels attached to steel structure
24′ h. x 7′ w. x 7′ d.

This sculpture incorporates ancient African symbols known as Adinkra.  Adinkra are symbols, originally created by the Ashanti people of Ghana in West Africa that represent proverbs or aphorisms (a concise statement of a principal). They are used in fabric printing, pottery decoration, logos, and architecture.  In addition to their decorative functions, these symbols convey messages of traditional wisdom, attributes, and aspects of life or the environment.  Devotion, strength, and wisdom are just a few of the 20 Adinkra symbols featured in this sculpture.  A floodlight inside the tower’s base illuminates the tower from the inside, allowing it to function as a beacon of positive energy and cultural encouragement.

Commissioned by Arts in Transit for Metro Transit St. Louis.