Client: MetroTransit
Location: Minneapolis, MN, United States
Completion date: 2011
Artwork budget: $120,000
Project Team
Artist
Jim Hirschfield
Jim Hirschfield and Sonya Ishii LLC
Artist
Sonya Ishii
Jim Hirschfield and Sonya Ishii LLC
Overview
KUULO is the Somali word for beads, and beads cut across cultural differences. Due to the large Somali populations in the Cedar-Riverside area, African beads became an inspiration for our designs that allude to the multiculturalism of the neighborhood.
Goals
The Cedar-Riverside community was a large Somali community and the artists wanted to create a work that related to the community. The totems were also designed to provide the community with way finders to the transit station.
Process
The artists met frequently with members of the unique Somali community to discuss their ideas and keep an open dialogue.