Bending the Arc
By Martin Puryear
About
The artwork
“We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Martin Luther King Jr
1965
Martin Puryear’s monumental sculpture brings the “long arc,” an important idea of the Civil Rights Movement, to life. To make it, Puryear, known for his meticulous, traditional techniques, began by hand-carving a straight, 34-foot wooden beam. It was 3D scanned, enlarged and curved, then forged in stainless steel. Today, it welcomes visitors to the south end of the Plaza.
Location: Outdoor Grounds | Plaza
The artist
Martin Puryear is an American artist known for his work in wood, bronze, and other materials, with a focus on craftsmanship and form. His sculptures often draw on traditional techniques while exploring scale, structure, and balance. President Obama presented Puryear with the National Medal of Arts in 2012 and Puryear represented the United States at the 2019 Venice Biennale.
Explore More
Hear from Martin Puryear
Listen to the Obama Presidential Center audio guide to hear artist Martin Puryear share how his monumental sculpture, Bending the Arc , transforms a powerful Civil Rights legacy into a soaring physical expression of hope and justice.
John Lewis Plaza
Bending the Arc is located in the John Lewis Plaza, a lively and dynamic space built to foster the spirit of community and joy. Check out the Plaza for a range of exciting activities and events happening year-round.
Honoring the Legacy of Freedom
Bending the Arc, located in the John Lewis Plaza, celebrates the history of progress and the freedom fighters that paved the way for a more inclusive democracy. Take a look at the leaders who helped build that legacy.
