Miami, Dec. 5, 2016 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) West Campus will unveil Gravity of The Gravity, a new sculpture by internationally-renowned artist Rafael Barrios, on international Human Rights Day. The unveiling will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, followed by a reception. This event is free and open to the public.
This collaborative project was initiated by the International Solidarity for Human Rights (ISHR). Its mission is to promote education and respect for human rights as proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nationals Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt chaired the committee that drafted the historic document.
In an effort to promote human rights, ISHR, under directors Elizabeth Sanchez and Devorah Sasha, has committed to establish The Route to Human Rights at Miami Dade College, which will consist of 30 works of art, including eight plazas with large scale sculptures to be installed at all eight MDC campuses. Currently InterAmerican Campus and North Campus have completed plazas with sculptures creating the path.
The sculpture at MDC West Campus will commemorate the 68th anniversary and Article 13, which states: “(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.”
Barrios’ geometric sculptures seemingly defy the laws of gravity and space. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Venezuelan parents, Barrios studied Fine Arts in the United States, Canada and Venezuela. His work has been recognized with many prestigious awards and recognitions both nationally and internationally.
To RSVP, send e-mail to Carine Bernadin at cbernadi@mdc.edu.