SUPERNOVA
public
art
installation
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description
Djembe, an interactive public art installation by George Sabra, stands next to the O. Henry Museum at Brush Square in Austin. Commissioned by the City of Austin, it symbolizes the heart and rhythm of the community, inviting all to participate in a living musical experience that reflects Austin's vibrant music culture. Djembe, an interactive public art installation by George Sabra, stands next to the O. Henry Museum at Brush Square in Austin. Commissioned by the City of Austin, it symbolizes the heart and rhythm of the community, inviting all to participate in a living musical experience that reflects Austin's vibrant music culture.
The artwork draws on Brush Square’s history as a former cotton yard and railroad hub where enslaved individuals worked. Sabra reclaims this history of injustice and transforms the space from one of suffering into one of creative freedom, using the drum as a symbol of resilience. The artwork also addresses social justice by acknowledging the historical ban on drums during slavery—an attempt to silence African American culture—and celebrates the fusion of African and American music traditions, particularly the influence of African American musical legacies like blues and jazz.
Standing 12 feet tall, Djembe incorporates reclaimed household items—such as pots, pans, and spoons, used to represent drums—highlighting sustainability and creative reuse. The sculpture invites community participation in its creation, reinforcing its connection to both local culture and environmental awareness. The drum, a universal symbol found in cultures worldwide since 6000 BC, serves as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to transcend boundaries, uniting people through its rhythm and deep cultural significance. Djembe transforms Brush Square into a space of empowerment,honoring the global power of music to heal, celebrate, and unite.
