On May 16, Barringer Arts and Humanities (BAAH) students got to see the fully-assembled sculpture that they have worked on in pieces for months, newly installed at the Newark Liberty International Airport. While curious travelers, representatives from the organizations that funded the project, and other invitees all looked on, the students painted the finishing touches on their piece. One of a series of sculptures called Animodules, the commissioned airport piece was facilitated by Chandri and Athena Barat of the Barat Foundation, who have worked with the Newark Public Schools for many years to create student-produced murals and sculptures for a range of public settings.
The finished airplane-shaped Animodule reflects extensive research by the students, who incorporated into the design geological, historical, and cultural symbols related to global destinations they’d like to visit. Maps of regions of the earth were transferred onto the four sides of the two wings, and student participants born outside the United States had the opportunity to share a symbol from their homeland.
Animodules are the official “Peace Ambassadors of Newark” and this particular piece will have a permanent place in the newly-renovated International Arrivals area in Terminal B.