Organized by the Renew Atlanta Infrastructure Bond’s Landmark Public Art initiative, Jaume Plensa’s Self Portrait III at the intersection of North Highland Avenue NE and John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE off the Freedom Park Trail is the location for this stainless-steel globe sculpture. Three wide paths lead to the sculpture which sits upon a circular pad large enough to expose the intricate shadows it cast throughout the day. Viewing benches with spaces for strollers and wheelchair access surround the sculpture. Lighting bollards line the walkway, and in-ground lighting surrounds the sculpture.
The 10-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture features letters from nine different languages, a reflection of Atlanta’s rich, multicultural history. Plensa’s work does not contain a specific message, but instead uses language as a metaphor. In celebrating the similarities and shared humanity of the world’s seemingly divergent cultures, the artist seeks to connect with his viewers on an intuitive level.