Ant Finds a Home

Rabi donated the Industrious Cooperative Ant, a sculpture he made for the MN DNR which was on display at the 2008 MN State Fair, to South St. Paul. It blends in pretty well at the Wildflower Levee Park. Check out the article about the donation. Rabi was officially thanked by the city at their city council meeting on July 20th.

Chronicles of a Warrior

From the display on Nicollet Mall today.

1st Place at 9th Annual Art of Recycling

Rabi was awarded First Place at the 9th Annual American Iron Metal Sculpture Competition, which is part of the 2009 Minneapolis Aquatennial celebration, for his piece "Chronicles of a Warrior." This is first year American Iron has not had 2 categories (large and small sculptures) but rather judged all sizes together.

With this sculpture, Rabi put his late father's stories into a visual form. Emilie Sanfo wrote many fable and stories, but did not complete this epic. Rabi's twin brother Raogo completed the tale of the warrior, and Rabi translated it into English for the competition to accompany the sculpture.

Chronicles of a Warrior

I am wounded and tired
From luring them in this place
In this valley…
Where their fathers killed my father
They are armed to the teeth
Some of them are even brandishing
Some of my own weapons that I had to leave
Behind on the battlefield
Now I am almost on my knees
But my shield is holding me from collapsing
They are so many…too many
Even for the Lord of Wars
Who broke his sword and his shield
They know that I am lost
But as the hunter still fears the wounded lion
They step back when I push a loud breath
The clouds are gathering so the sun
Doesn’t witness my fall
The valley is cold but my sweat is burning
My eyes and my wounds
I hear my heart beating…
I hear the voice telling me to stand up
And fight

The piece will be on public display Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21st and 22nd, on Nicollet Mall in front of the IDS Crystal Court (717 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis). Please stop by the IDS Crystal Court from 10am-6pm if you get a chance.

All entries will eventually be posted on the American Iron site and we will post photos too tomorrow.