A sculpture that stood beside Ground Zero — transforming weapons into a symbol of peace.
Created by American artist Lin Evola, the Renaissance Peace Angel became a powerful symbol of hope in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Installed near Ground Zero, the sculpture absorbed the prayers and messages of rescue workers and visitors during one of the most difficult moments in modern history.
The Story of the Peace Angel
Between 1994 and 1995, artist Lin Evola created the original Renaissance Peace Angel, a monumental bronze sculpture embedded with plaques made from confiscated street weapons. The work was conceived as a transformation of violence into peace — turning instruments of destruction into a symbol of healing.
Originally exhibited in California, the sculpture would soon take on an entirely new meaning.
Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Evola believed the Peace Angel belonged in New York City. She transported the 11-foot sculpture to stand near Ground Zero, where it became a quiet place of reflection during the recovery efforts.
In the days and weeks that followed, rescue workers, firefighters, and volunteers began writing personal messages, prayers, and tributes directly onto the base of the sculpture.
These inscriptions transformed the Peace Angel into something far greater than a work of art.
It became a living memorial.
Today, the original Renaissance Peace Angel is preserved in the permanent collection of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where it stands as a lasting tribute to resilience, remembrance, and the universal desire for peace.
Lin Evola
Lin Evola is an American contemporary artist whose work focuses on transforming weapons into symbols of peace and social reflection.
Through the Peace Angels Project, Evola collaborates with communities and law-enforcement agencies to collect surrendered weapons. These materials are then melted and integrated into sculptures that serve as monuments for healing and transformation.
Her work has been recognized by scholars and curators for its cultural and philosophical depth.
Art historian Peter Hastings Falk described Evola’s work as:
“A completely original concept capable of creating significant cultural impact — art that can strike a chord in every person on earth.”
The Peace Angel sculptures represent a powerful artistic movement that merges art, history, and activism into a lasting visual legacy.
Presented by Amir’s & Co
Amir’s & Co is proud to present the Peace Angels Project, an extraordinary artistic vision dedicated to transforming instruments of violence into symbols of hope.
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