Light of Hope and Tolerance Artist Statement

Artist Statement: Blending a touch of science fiction with reality, this piece presents at least two possible paths for the immigrant experience: one marked by fear—driven by hatred, intolerance, injustice, and deportation—and another shaped by the transformative power of tolerance to overcome hate and build a more just and prosperous society. At the center, a portal reveals Abraham Lincoln traveling from the past in search of a possibility: a more just society, free of hate, illuminated by understanding and compassion toward immigrants. The circles of the portal contain positive messages about tolerance toward immigrants. Discover meaning in the shapes, textures, lines, and colors—enjoy the experience this artwork offers.

“I see immigrants as neither better nor worse than anyone else—they’re all part of our human family. If any of them are weighed down by hardship, it’s far kinder to help lift their burden than to pile more weight on their shoulders.”

Abraham Lincoln

Modern, plain-English rendering of Lincoln’s thought—faithful to his February 12, 1861 address in Cincinnati.

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/l/lincoln/lincoln4/1:319