First Time in the UK, a Special Sculpture Honors Hijab-Wearing Women
In Birmingham, England, the first sculpture honoring women who cover their heads will be unveiled. A piece of art by Luke Perry with the working title "The Strength of the Hijab" stands five meters (16 feet) tall and weighs roughly a ton.
The designer claims that it will draw attention to a group that is underrepresented in the community. It is believed to be the first sculpture of a woman wearing a traditional Muslim head covering.
Perry acknowledged that the piece would be contentious for a variety of reasons, but he insisted that it is crucial to represent all British citizens. He said, "It's important to have representation across the whole of the U.K., of everyone that lives here. The future of our country is about what unites us, not what pulls us apart."
Recognizing the significance of the hijab, he emphasized that it is rare to see women wearing it, even in heroic stories, let alone in public art. People who have been "very much under-celebrated" are being honored by this artwork, according to Perry.
The Legacy West Midlands organization commissioned the sculpture, which is made of steel and will be galvanized when it is finished.