A Buddha Sculpture Makes Its Debut on the High Line
Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s latest installation, “The Light That Shines Through the Universe,” has captured the attention of New Yorkers and art enthusiasts alike. Installed on the High Line at West 30th Street and 10th Avenue, this 27-foot-tall sculpture stands as a poignant reminder of cultural resilience and historical cycles. Selected from nearly 60 proposals as the park’s fifth site-specific commission, Nguyen’s work will be showcased through Spring 2027.
The artist draws inspiration from the Bamiyan Buddhas, ancient monumental carvings that once adorned the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan. These towering figures, carved into sandstone cliffs in the 6th century, were tragically destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Nguyen’s sculpture, while not a replica, serves as an “echo” of these lost treasures, symbolizing the continuity of memory and the cyclical nature of history.
Crafted from sandstone and brass, the sculpture prominently features two hands, each representing a significant Buddhist mudra. The right hand embodies the Abhaya mudra, symbolizing fearlessness, while the left hand expresses compassion through the Varada mudra. The brass for these hands was sourced from artillery remnants in Afghanistan, thereby transforming instruments of destruction into symbols of peace and introspection.
Nguyen highlights the process of cultural storytelling, emphasizing that retelling and reinterpretation can keep stories and memories alive. This ethos is woven into the fabric of his installation, which he describes as a translation of those ancient Buddhas through his contemporary lens.
The backdrop of New York City, with its modern skyline, contrasts sharply with the sculpture’s timeworn aesthetic, encouraging passersby to pause and reflect on the intersections of time, culture, and history. Amidst today’s global tumult, Nguyen’s work offers a space of contemplation, resilience, and hope, reminding us that the light of history, compassion, and creativity continues to shine through the universe.