Artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen Unveils Sculpture Honoring Destroyed Buddhas in Manhattan
Vietnamese American artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen has unveiled a new sculpture on the High Line in Manhattan, paying homage to the 6th-century Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The artwork, titled 'The Light That Shines Through the Universe,' is a 27-foot-tall sandstone monument featuring two monumental steel hands that symbolize fearlessness and compassion. These hands are crafted from melted-down artillery shells sourced from Afghanistan, reflecting Nguyen's practice of transforming war remnants into art. The sculpture is not an exact replica of the original Buddhas but is made from similar materials, emphasizing a connection to history and memory. The installation will be on display until fall 2027 and will be accompanied by monthly lectures and meditation sessions. 
