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Equality Emerging
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Equality Emerging
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Equality Emerging

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.06282011-154-1
Object Type Maquette
Gifter
Artist (Irish, 1938)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium metal (copper), stone (marble), felt, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 16 1/2 in x W 10 3/4 in x D 4 in (41.9 cm x 27.3 cm x 10.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionCopper maquette with a green patina on gray speckled granite base. The unfinished sculpture depicts a female figure emerging from a rectangular slab with rough edges and texture. The reverse is unfinished as well.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of an official state visit to Ireland in May 2011. This statue is a small scale replica of a public art piece of the same name that is on display in Galway, Ireland. The original piece has a plaque that reads "The statue equality emerging is dedicated to people everywhere who are struggling for equality and to those suffering because of its absence. The emerging figure represents the force for equality, the wall, those people and systems in opposition" and another with the verse "Above a hole in the ground / No matter what stands / Measures nothing of life unless / It touches our hearts / Inspires our humanity to act / And then to persevere / EHNK 2001".
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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