City Walk Bham unveils two new sculptures by Ajene Williams

Two new sculptures by local Birmingham metal arts artist Ajene Williams, Senior Artist in Residence at Sloss Metal Arts have appeared at City Walk Bham behind the Alabama School of Fine Arts.

Public art made possible at City Walk Bham

During the planning of City Walk Bham, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Barge Design Solutions incorporated several large concrete pedestals to allow for placement of outdoor sculptures. 

The pieces by Williams are the second and third public art installations at the one of a kind park which stretches 10 linear blocks underneath the I 50/20 bridges through the central business district of City Birmingham.

The first piece that was unveiled at CityWalk last month was a Vulcan on Parade statue honoring longtime Vulcan Park and Museum director Darlene Negrotto.

Ajene Williams upclose at work

In the summer of 2022, Bham Now shot a video of Williams work on the large City Walk piece.

Here is the video below:

This past weekend, we met up with Williams. He described the meaning behind each piece.

Space in Time

“It’s about how fast time is and then sometimes it slows down. It has a “mini-him” on it with a bird that he’s riding. It’s like a spirit animal that guides him through time. The crown is you are the king of your own temple and mind and place in the world”

The Grind

It’s called the grind. He is  sitting down like Indian style on a record player. And he’s holding his hand up with a big spoon when he’s pointing his finger saying it’s you—it takes you to do it.

City Walk Bham Art Partnership

Interested in sharing and exhibiting your art at City Walk Bham? Here is a brief explanation of how the art partnership works by Toni Dennis, Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships, City Walk Bham.

“The program strives to be mutually beneficial in assisting the exhibiting artist with visibility and promotion. The pieces will also be available for purchase directly from the artist following an initial exhibit period at City Walk Bham. It’s been encouraging to all that these initial pieces are already being received by the public and images of the sculptures being photographed and shared widely on social media.”

For more information on this program, please contact: toni.dennis@citywalkbham.com

According to City Walk Bham, the Ajene Williams’ installation will be up until the Spring of 2024.