In a historic move to celebrate the diversity and inclusion of its communities, the United Kingdom is poised to unveil the "Strength of the Hijab," a pioneering 16-foot steel sculpture dedicated to women who wear the hijab.
Commissioned by the local charity Legacy West Midlands and designed by acclaimed artist Luke Perry, this one-tonne masterpiece is set to be installed in Smethwick, Britain's second-largest city, next month.
The "Strength of the Hijab" is a trailblazing work of art, described as the first of its kind in the world, designed to pay tribute to Muslim women who proudly wear the headscarf.
Luke Perry, the artist behind this innovative sculpture, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The Strength of the Hijab is a piece that represents women who wear hijabs of the Islamic faith, and it's really there because it's such an underrepresented part of our community, but such an important one."
The Strength of the Hijab was designed by renowned sculptor Luke Perry and will be installed in the Smethwick area of Birmingham in October pic.twitter.com/aawbAMhFsz
— PA Media (@PA) September 18, 2023
The sculpture's location in Smethwick holds special significance, as it is a vibrant and integral part of the Islamic community in the UK. Perry shared that the inspiration for this unique artwork came directly from conversations with Muslim women he collaborated with at the Community Connect Foundation.
"They want to be able to show their children things in the environment which makes them feel connected, important, and gives them pride. Not just endless history on rich white men," he emphasized.
