A sandstone and brass Buddha stands tall on the High Line in New York City, a reminder of both lost cultural heritage and resilience. Tuan Andrew Nguyen's "The Light That Shines Through the Universe" (2026) invites passersby to reflect on the Bamiyan Buddhas, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
The 27-foot-tall sculpture is a modern take on ancient symbolism. Its hands are cast from artillery brass sourced across Afghanistan and Vietnam, symbolising fearlessness and compassion through mudras. It is not a replica but an echo of the lost cultural icons.
"This sculpture creates friction with its surroundings, offering a hint that time is cyclical rather than linear," notes Cecilia Alemani, the High Line's art director. The piece was selected from nearly 60 proposals and stands as a testament to the artist's voice becoming even more relevant with time.
Amidst today's chaos, this Buddha looks over Manhattan, symbolising compassion and resilience. Its warmth and timeworn quality offer a moment of tranquility in the midst of urban hustle and bustle.
