Number 123

This roughly textured assemblage of urban materials that have been reclaimed, reworked and repurposed by artist Leonardo Drew forms an abstract text that runs across the glass walls of the federal building’s lobby.  According to Drew: “This endless paragraph—a hieroglyphics of forms as well as materials—evokes our own memories, our own personal stories.  It is in these memories that we often share common life experiences that are universal, where we find the sense of humanity that frames a language Mickey Leland knew well, and that makes us one people.”

Although called Number 123, Drew does not intend this title to be a source for interpretation of the artwork.  Rather, as this piece is about viewers’ own perspectives, the artist selected a number to provide his audience with a title free of preconceptions.