A prominent sculptor who has exhibited his work across the UK and internationally says he would welcome street artists to add their own creative touches to his latest public installation, as long as their contributions enhance rather than detract from the original artwork. Sam Shendi, an Egyptian-born artist now residing in North Yorkshire, recently unveiled his newest creation in Bradford as part of the city's cultural celebrations.
The sculpture, titled "Balancing Acts," stands 13 feet tall and is prominently displayed on the grounds of the MAPA community center, located just off Manchester Road. Constructed from stainless steel and painted by Shendi himself, the artwork was specially commissioned for Bradford's City of Culture celebrations. The 50-year-old artist expressed his admiration for street art and graffiti culture, stating his respect for the younger generation of artists working in these mediums.
"I respect the younger generation with the graffiti in particular; I'm a fan of the graffiti artwork," Shendi explained. He emphasized that he has no objection to people adding to his creation, provided their contributions are made in a positive spirit and contain no offensive content. The artist noted that he used automotive-grade paint for the sculpture, the same type used in car manufacturing, ensuring the artwork's durability over an extended period.
Shendi further elaborated on his open-minded approach to collaborative art, saying, "At the end of the day if any other creative person is happy to come and paint on the top of it, or draw in a good way, I'm happy with this as well." This welcoming attitude toward potential modifications reflects his belief in art as a living, evolving medium that can bring communities together.
The inspiration for "Balancing Acts" came from children's building blocks, and the project required five months of dedicated work to complete. Shendi, who lives in the village of Cowling, collaborated with Bradford Laser Cutting, a local company that specializes in precision cutting of stainless steel and professional welding services. This partnership between the artist and local industry demonstrates the collaborative spirit behind the project.
The sculpture's vibrant color scheme holds special significance, with each block painted using colors drawn from flags of different nations. This design choice was intentional, representing the diverse communities that call the Bradford area home. Shendi spray-painted each individual block, carefully selecting hues that would reflect the multicultural nature of the neighborhood where the sculpture now stands.
One of the most innovative features of "Balancing Acts" is its interactive design. All five sections of the sculpture are mounted on a metal column that is securely fixed into the ground, but each block can be rotated independently. Shendi, who became a member of the prestigious Royal British Society of Sculptors in 2014, specifically designed this rotating mechanism to encourage public interaction with the artwork.
"I love my work to be touched by children," the sculptor explained. "It's colorful so it appeals to all kind of ages from any background, any class." He views the sculpture as more than just a visual piece, but as an educational tool that can teach valuable lessons about community and cooperation. The interactive nature of the artwork allows visitors to physically engage with the concepts it represents.
The deeper meaning behind "Balancing Acts" reflects Shendi's philosophy about community harmony and social cohesion. "The sculpture was inspired by children's building blocks. You're trying to teach kids about the balance and the harmony between surfaces," he said. "This is what community is really." He sees the artwork as a metaphor for how diverse elements can work together to create something stable and beautiful.
Shendi's vision extends beyond the physical structure to encompass the social dynamics of modern communities. "How different backgrounds, different faiths, different beliefs and different political views are all combined together," he observed. This perspective positions the sculpture as both an artistic achievement and a statement about the strength that comes from diversity and mutual respect in contemporary society.
